As the temp increases, so does your AC bills. To keep your cooling bills low you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Northglenn?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually false.
Keeping your air conditioning running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re elsewhere, and turning it back down when you get back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.
It’s considerably more work for your system to stay at a consistent temperature all day long. It can also result in a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also lead to a shorter life cycle for your HVAC system.
In any case, the larger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your AC costs will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills down in the summer season? Here are our ideas based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Ways to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can spend up to 10% less annually on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. Through the hotter months, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any sooner, it just results in more expensive energy costs. While these temperatures may seem high, there are a number of methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the air conditioner.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can decrease air conditioning costs by up to 14% during the course of the summer. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds lowered and curtains drawn for the duration of the day helps keep cooler air in. There are also some window treatments intended to deliver extra insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence enable cool air to quickly escape and warm air to get in. This could lead to your AC having to work harder to keep your home cool and your energy bills to rise. Make sure that any openings, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple solutions for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Schedule Regular Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your air conditioner is always functioning at its most energy efficient. This lets our pro to spot simple issues before they turn into significant troubles. A clean AC is typically more efficient and could even live longer.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best approaches to assure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adapts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works along with your smartphone to see when you’re at home or away to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on energy costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can anticipate a properly taken care of air conditioner to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently contacting us for air conditioning repair or your energy expenses are climbing with no altering in thermostat settings, it may be time for a new system. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.
Enhance Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
No one enjoys seeing their utility bill climb during the warm months. If you’re in search of more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses low this summer, our professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 303-452-4146 or contact us online today for extra details.