As the temperature increases, so does your energy costs. To keep your AC expenses controlled you may be wondering, 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 wasteful. This is actually false.

Keeping your air conditioner going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it down when you come back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.

It’s far more taxing for your system to achieve the same setting all day long. It can also cause a lot of stress on your air conditioner, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it may also lead to a shorter life cycle for your air conditioner.

In any case, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer season? Here are our ideas based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees when 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 elsewhere. It’s additionally important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any quicker, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear toasty, there are a number of methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the air conditioning.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn during the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver added insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence enable conditioned air to quickly escape and warm air to get in. This may lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence cool and your energy bills to climb. Make sure 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.
  4. Plan for Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your air conditioner is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our pros to identify little issues before they become serious problems. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and may even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works along with your smartphone to sense when you’re at home or out to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can foresee a properly maintained air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a replacement. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Olde Towne Heating & Air

No one likes to see their electricity bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses down this summer, our experts can help. Reach us at 843-485-0967 or contact us online right away for more info.