As the temp increases, so does your air conditioning costs. To keep your AC costs under control you might be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Newark?

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

Keeping your air conditioner on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.

It’s a lot more work for your system to achieve the same setting for many hours. It can also cause a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it can also lead to a shorter life expectancy for your AC unit.

Regardless, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric bills low in the summer season? Here are our tips based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out of the house. Through the summer, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s additionally important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your home any faster, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the AC.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by only 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 remember that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a house let conditioned air to easily slip out and warmer air to get within. This may lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence cool and your AC bills to increase. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your unit is always running at its most efficient. This permits our pros to identify little issues before they become serious dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and can even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re at home or out to optimize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 every year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can figure a properly cared for AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it might 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 trading comfort.

Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Luikart Heating & Cooling

No one enjoys seeing their energy bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and costs low this summer, our experts can help. Give us a call at 740-200-5591 or contact us online today for additional information.