As the heat rises, so does your AC costs. To keep your cooling bills low you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Lafayette?
It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your air conditioning running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it back down when you come back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.
It’s significantly more taxing for your system to stay at a consistent temperature throughout the day. It can also result in a lot of strain on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it might also lead to a shortened life span for your HVAC system.
Regardless, the greater the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your energy bills will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your electric bills down in the summer? Here are our ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Methods to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust Your Thermostat Usage. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away. Through the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than average when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any quicker, it just causes bigger electric bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are a number of ways to keep cooler without having to consistently run the AC.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can decrease air conditioning costs by up to 14% throughout the warmer months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. 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 conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings made to deliver extra insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps all around a home enable cooler air to quickly get out and warm air to get within. This could cause your AC having to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your energy bills to climb. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Arrange Routine Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your air conditioner is always running at its most efficient. This lets our experts to locate simple issues before they become major dilemmas. A well-kept AC unit is generally more efficient and could even last for a longer period of time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest ways to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works along with your smartphone to see when you’re at your house or away to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling expenses.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can anticipate a sufficiently cared for AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We supply numerous energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with AC Sales
No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill climb during the summer season. If you’re wanting more ways to keep your energy use and expenses down this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at (337) 234-2345 or contact us online now for additional info.
