As the temperature increases, so does your AC costs. To keep your AC bills controlled you may be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Longview?

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

Keeping your air conditioner running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it down when you get back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.

It’s much more laborious for your system to achieve a consistent setting throughout the day. It can also lead to a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it could also lead to a shorter life expectancy for your AC unit.

In any case, the larger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your utility bills low in the summer season? Here are our ideas based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. Through the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s additionally important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your home any quicker, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures could appear toasty, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the air conditioner.
2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut during the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a home allow for conditioned air to easily get out and the heat to get inside. This could cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your home cooler and your utility bills to skyrocket. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
4. Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your unit is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our pros to identify little issues before they turn into major dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is generally 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 notice when you’re at your house or gone to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on energy costs.
6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can foresee a properly maintained AC unit to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Increase Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Goode Bros AC & Heating

No one wants to see their utility bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills low this summer, our team can help. Reach us at 903-284-2612 or contact us online today for additional information.