As the temperature goes up, so does your air conditioning bills. To keep your air conditioning costs low you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Haines City?

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

Keeping your air conditioning going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.

It’s significantly more taxing for your system to stay at a consistent temperature all day long. It can also lead to a lot of stress on your system, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it could also lead to a shorter life expectancy for your HVAC system.

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

Six Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. In the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees while 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 usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any quicker, it just causes bigger electric bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are additional methods to keep cooler without having to consistently run the AC unit.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home permit conditioned air to quickly escape and the heat to get inside. This could lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your utility bills to rise. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably 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 equipment is always running at its most efficient. This allows our experts to identify small issues before they become substantial problems. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness 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 your house or out to enhance your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can expect a properly taken care of AC unit to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a replacement. 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 Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.

No one wants to see their electricity 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 863-216-2923 or contact us online right away for additional info.