As the temperature rises, so does your energy bills. To keep your air conditioning expenses low you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Boynton Beach?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually false.
Keeping your air conditioner running all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it back down when you return. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.
It’s considerably more laborious for your system to keep a constant temperature throughout the day. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it might also lead to a shortened life expectancy for your HVAC system.
Regardless, the larger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer season? Here are our ideas based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Methods to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. Through the summer, it’s recommended to set 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 colder setting than average when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any quicker, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to always run the AC.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn for the duration of the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a home permit conditioned air to quickly get out and warmer air to get inside. This may cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your AC bills to rise. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your unit is always functioning at its most efficient. This lets our pros to find simple issues before they become significant dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even live for a longer period of time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works together with your smartphone to see when you’re at home or elsewhere to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 annually on energy costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can foresee a properly maintained AC 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 might 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 trading comfort.
Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with A2Z Air Inc
No one likes to see their energy bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs lower this summer, our professionals can help. Reach us at 561-270-6228 or contact us online right away for additional details.