As the heat increases, so does your air conditioning bills. To keep your AC bills down you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Newton?

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

Keeping your AC on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re out, and turning it down when you come home. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.

It’s considerably more work for your system to stay at a constant temp all day long. It can also lead to a lot of stress on your system, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also cause a shortened life span for your AC.

In any case, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your electric bills low in the warm weather? Here are our tips based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away. Through the summer, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your house any faster, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear toasty, there are additional methods to keep cool without having to always run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut during the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a house allow for conditioned air to easily escape and the heat to get in. This can lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your energy bills to climb. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your unit is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our pros to locate little issues before they become significant dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and may even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to see when you’re at home or away to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can foresee a properly cared for air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a new system. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Brookwood Inc

No one enjoys seeing their utility bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses lower this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 641-316-9803 or contact us online today for extra information.