As the temperature goes up, so does your energy costs. To keep your AC bills down you may be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Northridge?

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

Keeping your air conditioning on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it down when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.

It’s far more taxing for your system to stay at a consistent temp for many hours. It can also lead to a lot of stress on your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it may also cause a shorter life span for your air conditioner.

Regardless, the greater 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 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. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. In the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any sooner, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear toasty, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains drawn during the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house allow for conditioned air to rapidly slip out and the heat to get in. This could result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your utility bills to skyrocket. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your equipment is always performing at its most efficient. This allows our pros to spot small issues before they turn into significant troubles. A maintained air conditioner is usually more efficient and may even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re home or away to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 annually on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can anticipate a properly taken care of air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Improve Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating

No one wants to see their energy bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills lower this summer, our experts can help. Give us a call at (818) 727-9993 or contact us online today for extra details.