As the temp rises, so does your air conditioning bills. To keep your air conditioning costs low you might be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Macon?

It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your AC running all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re out, and lowering it when you get back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.

It’s far more work for your system to stay at a constant setting all day long. It can also lead to a lot of stress on your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it may also result in a shortened life cycle for your AC.

Regardless, the bigger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer season? Here are our ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways 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 raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away. Through the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any quicker, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear toasty, there are a number of methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by just 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 be mindful that that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains shut during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver additional insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence permit conditioned air to quickly escape and the heat to get inside. This could result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your AC bills to skyrocket. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your system is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our pros to detect little issues before they turn into major troubles. A maintained air conditioner is generally more efficient and could even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to assure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to notice when you’re in your home or out to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 yearly on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can foresee a properly taken care of AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently 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, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Air Temperature Control

No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills down this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 478-202-3170 or contact us online right away for more details.