As the heat goes up, so does your air conditioning expenses. To keep your AC costs controlled you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Northridge?

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

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

It’s considerably more laborious for your system to achieve the same temp all day long. It can also result in a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also result in a shortened life cycle for your AC unit.

In any case, the larger the difference between your house’s 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 warm weather? Here are our suggestions based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. In the summer, it’s advised to set 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 cooler setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any quicker, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to always run the air conditioner.
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 summer season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver added insulation and boost energy efficiency.
3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house let conditioned air to rapidly get out and warmer air to get within. This may result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house cooler and your energy bills to increase. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
4. Plan for Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your air conditioner is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our pros to find little issues before they turn into major problems. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even run for a longer period of time.
5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to sense when you’re home or elsewhere to maximize your energy 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 anticipate a properly maintained air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

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

No one likes to see their energy bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses lower this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at (818) 727-9993 or contact us online today for more info.