As the temp rises, so does your air conditioning costs. To keep your cooling expenses under control you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Newton?

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

Keeping your AC going constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.

It’s considerably more laborious for your system to achieve a consistent temperature for many hours. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it can also result in a shorter life span for your AC unit.

No matter what, the bigger 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 stay cool and keep your utility bills low in the warm weather? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change 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 while you’re away at work. Through the summer, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when 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 AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any faster, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Also, keeping blinds low and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house enable conditioned air to rapidly get out and warm air to get inside. This may cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence cool and your utility bills to skyrocket. Check that any openings, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your unit is always running at its most efficient. This allows our experts to identify little issues before they become major troubles. A maintained air conditioner is usually more efficient and might even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to see when you’re at home or elsewhere to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 every year on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can figure a properly taken care of AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Improve Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Brookwood Inc

No one wants to see their utility bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and costs low this summer, our professionals can help. Give us a call at 641-316-9803 or contact us online today for additional info.