As the temp rises, so does your energy bills. To keep your air conditioning bills under control you may be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Safford?
It’s a common belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a misconception.
Keeping your AC running all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you return. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.
It’s far more work for your system to achieve a consistent setting all day long. It can also cause a lot of wear and tear to your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it might also result in a shorter life span for your AC unit.
No matter what, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your air conditioning costs will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric bills lower in the summer? Here are our ideas based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Approaches to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Change Your Thermostat Usage. The DOE affirms that you can spend up to 10% less per year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out of the house. During the warmer months, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any quicker, it just leads to bigger energy costs. While these temperatures may feel high, there are additional methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the air conditioning.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower AC by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds low and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep cooler air indoors. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home let cooler air to rapidly slip out and warm air to get in. This can result in your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your home cooler and your AC costs to skyrocket. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick solutions for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Plan for Annual Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your AC is always performing at its most energy efficient. This allows our pro to spot small issues before they become major troubles. A maintained AC is generally more efficient and may even run for a longer period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest approaches to ensure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically changes the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re at home or gone to enhance your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 yearly on energy bills.
- Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can foresee a properly taken care of AC unit to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often needing us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are rising with no fluctuations in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We carry a number of energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.
Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with B&D Air Conditioning
No one likes to see their energy bill increase during the warm months. If you’re seeking more ways to keep your energy use and expenses lower this summer, our professionals can help. Give us a call at 928-432-6018 or contact us online now for additional information.