As the heat goes up, so does your energy bills. To keep your cooling costs low you might be wondering, 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 a waste of energy. This is actually false.
Keeping your air conditioning 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 get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.
It’s a lot more laborious for your system to achieve a constant temp all day long. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it can also lead to a shorter life cycle for your AC unit.
No matter what, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your utility bills low in the hot weather? Here are our tips based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Ways to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away. Through the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your house any quicker, it just leads to bigger energy bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains shut during the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and boost energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a home enable conditioned air to quickly slip out and the heat to get in. This can cause your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your utility bills to climb. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your unit is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to find little issues before they become substantial dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and could even last for a longer period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to know when you’re at your house or gone to enhance your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 per year on energy costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can figure a properly taken care of AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a new system. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.
Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating
No one wants to see their air conditioning bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and costs low this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at (818) 727-9993 or contact us online today for additional details.
