As the heat rises, so does your AC costs. To keep your air conditioning expenses low you may be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Brookfield?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually not true.

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

It’s significantly more work for your system to stay at a constant setting all day long. It can also cause a lot of stress on your air conditioner, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it might also cause a shorter life span for your AC unit.

No matter what, the larger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your electric bills low in the summer? Here are our tips based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away. In the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s additionally important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your home any sooner, it just results in bigger electric bills. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are many methods to keep cool without having to constantly run the AC.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a house let conditioned air to quickly get out and the heat to get inside. This may result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house cool and your utility bills to skyrocket. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your unit is always functioning at its most efficient. This lets our professionals to spot little issues before they become major problems. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and could even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works together with your smartphone to sense when you’re at home or away to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can expect a properly cared for AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a new system. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Central Air LLC

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 down this summer, our professionals can help. Give us a call at 203-357-5913 or contact us online right away for additional information.