As the temperature increases, so does your energy costs. To keep your cooling costs controlled you could be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Fort Lauderdale?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your AC running all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re elsewhere, and turning it down when you come back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.
It’s considerably more taxing for your system to keep a constant temperature throughout the day. It can also lead to a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it may also lead to a shorter life expectancy for your air conditioner.
No matter what, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility bills low in the summer season? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust 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 away. In the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when 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 normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any sooner, it just leads to bigger energy bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are additional methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the AC.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower AC by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds down and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and boost energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence let conditioned air to quickly get out and the heat to get in. This can lead to your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your house comfortable and your energy bills to skyrocket. Check that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your equipment is always functioning at its most efficient. This lets our experts to find little issues before they become substantial dilemmas. A maintained air conditioner is generally more efficient and might even run for a longer period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re in your home or elsewhere to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 annually on HVAC costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can expect a properly maintained air conditioner to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Enhance Your Home’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 consumption and expenses lower this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 954-320-7398 or contact us online right away for additional information.