As the temp rises, so does your energy bills. To keep your air conditioning costs low you may be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Booneville?

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

Keeping your air conditioner on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and lowering it when you come back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the job for you.

It’s a lot more work for your system to stay at the same temp all day long. It can also result in a lot of strain on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it can also lead to a shortened life span for your AC.

Regardless, the greater the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your utility bills low in the summer? Here are our ideas based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out of the house. 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 away. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your residence any faster, it just results in bigger electric bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are additional methods to keep cooler without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn for the duration of the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a residence let conditioned air to easily get out and warm air to get within. This could cause your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence cool and your AC bills to skyrocket. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your unit is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to identify small issues before they become serious troubles. A clean air conditioner is usually more efficient and can even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to assure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works together with your smartphone to sense when you’re in your home or out to enhance your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 annually on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can figure a properly cared for AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Booneville Heating & Cooling

No one enjoys seeing their air conditioning bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills lower this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 662-269-8716 or contact us online today for additional information.