As the heat goes up, so does your air conditioning bills. To keep your cooling costs down you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Mount Pleasant?
It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your air conditioner going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.
It’s a lot more work for your system to achieve a constant temp for many hours. It can also result in a lot of strain on your air conditioner, 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 expectancy for your air conditioner.
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 utility bills low in the hot weather? Here are our ideas based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Ways to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Modify Your Temperature. The DOE affirms that you can spend up to 10% less per year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. Through the hotter months, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your residence any faster, it just results in higher electric expenses. While these temperatures may feel high, there are a number of approaches to keep cool without having to always run the AC.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% during the course of the cooling season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut during the day helps keep cool air in. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and increase energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home let cool air to rapidly escape and warmer air to get in. This may lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home cooler and your energy bills to rise. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick mends for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Arrange Routine Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your air conditioner is always running at its best. This lets our pro to find small issues before they become substantial problems. A maintained AC unit is typically more efficient and may even run for a greater 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 adapts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to see when you’re at home or away to optimize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on heating and cooling costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can anticipate a properly cared for AC unit to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re often needing us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are increasing with no shifts in thermostat settings, it may be time for a new system. We carry a number of energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Olde Towne Heating & Air
No one wants to see their air conditioning bill rise during the warm months. If you’re seeking more ways to keep your energy consumption and costs lower this summer, our experts can help. Reach us at 843-485-0967 or contact us online now for additional information.