As the temperature rises, so does your AC expenses. To keep your AC bills under control you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Boynton Beach?
It’s a popular belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your air conditioning going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it down when you return. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.
It’s significantly more work for your system to keep the same temp throughout the day. It can also lead to a lot of strain on 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 air conditioner.
In any case, the greater the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your air conditioning costs will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your energy bills lower in the hot weather? Here are our tips based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Methods to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Modify Your Thermostat Usage. The DOE says that you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out of the house. In the hotter months, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your home any sooner, it just leads to bigger energy bills. While these temperatures may feel warm, there are additional approaches to keep comfortable without having to always run the AC unit.
- Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% during the course of the cooling season. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains drawn during the day helps keep conditioned air indoors. There are also some window coverings meant to deliver additional insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings around a residence permit cool air to quickly slip out and warm air to get within. This can lead to your AC unit needing to work harder to keep your home cooler and your utility expenses to skyrocket. Check that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Schedule Annual Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your unit is always performing at its best. This lets our experts to spot small issues before they result in significant problems. A maintained AC is usually more efficient and might even live for a longer period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest approaches to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adapts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to sense when you’re home or gone to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 per year on heating and cooling expenses.
- Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can anticipate an adequately taken care of AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are skyrocketing with no shifts in thermostat settings, it could be time for a new system. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with A2Z Air Inc
No one wants to see their utility bill rise during the warmer months. If you’re seeking more ways to keep your energy use and expenses down this summer, our team can help. Give us a call at 561-270-6228 or contact us online today for additional info.