As the heat goes up, so does your energy bills. To keep your cooling expenses under control you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Fort Lauderdale?

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

Keeping your AC running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and turning it down when you get back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the job for you.

It’s significantly more laborious for your system to achieve a constant setting throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it can also lead to a shortened life cycle for your air conditioner.

In any case, the bigger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay 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 states that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out of the house. During the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any sooner, it just leads to bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are additional methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the air conditioning.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can decrease energy by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house permit conditioned air to rapidly slip out and warmer air to get in. This could result in your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your AC bills to rise. Check that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your AC is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to find little issues before they result in substantial dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works with your smartphone to see when you’re home or out to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can expect a properly cared for AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Solar Air Inc.

No one likes to see their electricity bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses lower this summer, our professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 954-320-7398 or contact us online right away for additional info.