As the temp increases, so does your energy costs. To keep your AC expenses down you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Newark?
It’s a popular belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually false.
Keeping your air conditioner on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and lowering it when you come back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the work for you.
It’s considerably more laborious for your system to achieve a consistent temp for many hours. It can also result in a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it could also lead to a reduced life cycle for your HVAC system.
Regardless, the greater the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer season? Here are our suggestions based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out of the house. In the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any sooner, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures might appear high, there are a number of methods to keep comfortable without having to always run the air conditioning.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and increase energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence permit conditioned air to quickly get out and warmer air to get within. This may lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home cooler and your energy bills to rise. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your air conditioner is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to identify little issues before they turn into substantial troubles. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and may even last for a longer period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to guarantee 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 notice when you’re at your house or out to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 annually on heating and cooling costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can anticipate 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 utility bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.
Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Luikart Heating & Cooling
No one likes to see their electricity bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs down this summer, our professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 740-344-5497 or contact us online now for extra info.