As the temp increases, so does your energy expenses. To keep your air conditioning expenses low you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Mount Pleasant?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your air conditioning going constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it down when you return. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the work for you.

It’s far more laborious for your system to stay at the same setting throughout the day. It can also lead to a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it can also cause a shortened life expectancy for your air conditioner.

In any case, the greater the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility bills low in the warm weather? 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

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out of the house. Through the summer, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your house any faster, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the air conditioner.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home let conditioned air to rapidly slip out and warm air to get within. This may cause your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your house cooler and your utility bills to skyrocket. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your AC is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our pros to spot small issues before they turn into major problems. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and may even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure 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 notice when you’re at home or elsewhere to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 every year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can figure a properly cared for AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

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

No one likes to see their energy bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and expenses down this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 843-485-0967 or contact us online now for more information.