As the temp increases, so does your air conditioning expenses. To keep your cooling bills controlled you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Croydon?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a misconception.

Keeping your AC on all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it down when you get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.

It’s a lot more work for your system to stay at a constant temperature throughout the day. It can also lead to a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it may also cause a reduced life cycle for your HVAC system.

Regardless, the greater the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills low in the warm weather? Here are our suggestions 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. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away. Through the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any faster, it just results in bigger electric bills. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen 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 areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains closed during the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a residence allow for conditioned air to easily get out and the heat to get within. This can lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your home cool and your AC bills to rise. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your air conditioner is always running at its most efficient. This lets our pros to detect little issues before they become significant problems. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even last 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 automatically adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re at home or out to maximize your 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 AC. You can expect a properly maintained AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it could 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 bargaining comfort.

Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC

No one wants to see their utility bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses low this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 215-741-5505 or contact us online right away for additional information.