As the temp increases, so does your air conditioning expenses. To keep your cooling costs low you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Safford?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your air conditioner running all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you return. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.

It’s a lot more laborious for your system to stay at the same temperature all day long. It can also lead to a lot of strain on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it can also result in a shorter life span for your AC unit.

No matter what, the greater the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your electric bills low in the warm weather? Here are our ideas based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out. During the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any faster, it just causes bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are additional methods to keep cooler without having to consistently run the AC.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can decrease energy by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home let conditioned air to quickly slip out and warm air to get within. This can result in your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your home cooler and your AC bills to skyrocket. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your air conditioner is always running at its most efficient. This lets our pros to spot small issues before they result in major dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and may even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to ensure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to sense when you’re in your home or away to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can expect a properly maintained AC unit to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with B&D Air Conditioning

No one wants to see their air conditioning bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses down this summer, our team can help. Give us a call at 928-432-6018 or contact us online today for extra info.