As the temp increases, so does your air conditioning bills. To keep your cooling costs under control you may be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Port Orchard?

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

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

It’s much more taxing for your system to keep a constant temperature all day long. It can also cause a lot of strain on your system, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it can also cause a reduced life expectancy for your AC.

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

Six Methods to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. In the summer, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your home any sooner, it just leads to bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear toasty, there are a number of methods to keep cool without having to always run the AC.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by just 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver additional insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a residence allow for conditioned air to quickly slip out and the heat to get within. This may result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house cooler and your utility bills to increase. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your AC is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our pros to locate little issues before they turn into significant dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and might even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to sense when you’re home or away to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can anticipate a properly taken care of AC to live 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 replacement. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Improve Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Air Masters Heating & Cooling

No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses lower this summer, our professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 360-205-7115 or contact us online right away for more information.