As the temp goes up, so does your AC expenses. To keep your AC expenses low you might be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Delray Beach?
It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually false.
Keeping your air conditioner going constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and lowering it when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the job for you.
It’s a lot more taxing for your system to keep a consistent temperature 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 may also result in a reduced life span for your air conditioner.
Regardless, the bigger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills lower in the hot weather? Here are our suggestions based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Change Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can spend up to 10% less annually on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. In the warmer months, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s additionally important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than average when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any faster, it just causes more expensive electric bills. While these temperatures might seem warm, there are a number of ways to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the AC unit.
- Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window solutions intended to deliver extra insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps all around a residence enable cooler air to easily get out and warm air to get inside. This can result in your AC needing to work harder to keep your residence cool and your utility costs to rise. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple mends for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Plan for Regular Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your equipment is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our experts to locate simple issues before they result in serious troubles. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even live for a greater period of time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works together with your smartphone to sense when you’re at home or out to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 every year on HVAC costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can foresee an adequately cared for AC unit to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are rising with no altering in thermostat settings, it may be time for a new system. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.
Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Kilbourne Heating & AC
No one likes to see their energy bill climb during the warm months. If you’re wanting more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses down this summer, our professionals can help. Give us a call at 561-287-7071 or contact us online today for extra info.