As the temp goes up, so does your air conditioning expenses. To keep your air conditioning bills under control you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Delray Beach?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your air conditioning going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and lowering it when you come home. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.

It’s a lot more work for your system to achieve a consistent temp throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of strain on your system, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it can also lead to a shortened life span for your AC.

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

Six Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away at work. In the summer, 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 abstain from setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any sooner, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures might appear high, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to always run the air conditioner.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to remember 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 shut during the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house enable conditioned air to quickly slip out and the heat to get in. This can result in your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your house cooler and your energy bills to skyrocket. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your AC is always running at its most efficient. This permits our experts to detect small issues before they result in substantial problems. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works along with your smartphone to see when you’re at home or out to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect a properly cared for AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a new system. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Improve Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Kilbourne Heating & AC

No one wants to see their utility bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills down this summer, our professionals can help. Give us a call at 561-287-7071 or contact us online right away for more details.