As the temp rises, so does your AC expenses. To keep your cooling bills controlled you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Bishop?

It’s a popular belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually false.

Keeping your air conditioning running constantly 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 get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the work for you.

It’s considerably more taxing for your system to stay at a consistent temperature all day long. It can also cause a lot of stress on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it might also cause a reduced life expectancy for your HVAC system.

Regardless, the greater the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your electric bills low in the hot weather? Here are our ideas based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out of the house. Through the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your residence any faster, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a home enable conditioned air to easily get out and the heat to get in. This could cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your house cooler and your utility bills to skyrocket. Make sure that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your air conditioner is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our experts to spot simple issues before they become serious dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and can even live 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 instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works together with your smartphone to sense when you’re at your house or gone to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can anticipate a properly taken care of AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning

No one wants to see their energy bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and costs down this summer, our team can help. Get in touch with us at 760-784-9034 or contact us online right away for additional details.