As the temp goes up, so does your AC costs. To keep your AC costs under control you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Bishop?
It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually not true.
Keeping your air conditioning going constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re elsewhere, and turning it back down when you get 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 a constant setting throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it could also lead to a shorter life expectancy for your AC unit.
Regardless, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your air conditioning costs will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your utility bills lower in the summer? Here are our suggestions based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Methods to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust Your Thermostat Usage. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away. During the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any faster, it just results in higher energy costs. While these temperatures could seem warm, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to always run the air conditioning.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% throughout the warmer months. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings meant to deliver added insulation and boost energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house allow for cooler air to quickly slip out and warmer air to get inside. This could lead to your AC needing to work harder to keep your home cool and your utility costs to rise. Check that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
- Arrange Routine Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your air conditioner is always functioning at its most efficient. This lets our pro to spot simple issues before they result in significant troubles. A clean AC is generally more efficient and can even live for a greater period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best ways to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively alters the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works along with your smartphone to sense when you’re in your home or gone to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 yearly on HVAC expenses.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can anticipate an adequately cared for AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are climbing with no altering in thermostat settings, it might be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.
Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning
No one enjoys seeing their air conditioning bill increase during the summer. If you’re seeking more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses lower this summer, our professionals can help. Reach us at 760-784-9034 or contact us online today for more details.