As the temp goes up, so does your energy expenses. To keep your AC expenses controlled you may be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Newark?

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

Keeping your air conditioner on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and lowering it when you return. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.

It’s significantly more taxing for your system to achieve a constant setting for many hours. It can also cause a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it might also lead to a reduced life expectancy for your AC.

No matter what, the greater the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer season? 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. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. Through the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any faster, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are additional methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the AC.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds lowered and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver added insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home enable conditioned air to quickly slip out and warm air to get within. This may result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house cooler and your AC bills to skyrocket. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your AC is always functioning at its most efficient. This lets our pros to locate simple issues before they turn into substantial problems. A well-kept air conditioner is generally more efficient and can even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the best 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 know when you’re home or gone to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can foresee a properly taken care of AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Luikart Heating & Cooling

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 expenses low this summer, our team can help. Give us a call at 740-200-5591 or contact us online now for additional details.