As the temp increases, so does your air conditioning costs. To keep your cooling costs low you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Cape Coral?

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

Keeping your air conditioner running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re out, and turning it down when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.

It’s considerably more work for your system to achieve the same temperature for many hours. It can also result in a lot of stress on your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it might also lead to a shortened life span for your air conditioner.

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? Here are our ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. During the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than average when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any sooner, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear high, there are many methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the AC unit.
  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 lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house let conditioned air to rapidly slip out and warm air to get inside. This can cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your energy bills to skyrocket. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your system is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our pros to locate small issues before they become substantial dilemmas. A maintained air conditioner is usually more efficient and could even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re at your house or elsewhere to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 annually on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect a properly cared for AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

Increase Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Comfort Zone, LLC

No one likes to see their utility bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses lower this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 239-214-0411 or contact us online now for more info.