As the temperature increases, so does your AC expenses. To keep your air conditioning expenses down you may be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Smyrna?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually not true.

Keeping your AC running all day 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 home. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.

It’s much more taxing for your system to stay at the same setting all day long. It can also cause a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it could also result in a shortened life span for your air conditioner.

Regardless, the greater the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer? Here are our suggestions based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Enhance 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 raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out. Through the summer, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool down your residence any sooner, it just leads to bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to always run the AC.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house permit conditioned air to quickly get out and warm air to get in. This can cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your home cool and your energy bills to rise. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your AC is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our professionals to locate small issues before they become serious dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and may even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to sense when you’re at home or out to enhance your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can anticipate a properly maintained air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC

No one likes to see their electricity bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and expenses lower this summer, our team can help. Give us a call at 302-653-0503 or contact us online now for more information.