As the heat rises, so does your energy expenses. To keep your AC expenses under control you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in West Columbia?

It’s a popular belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually not true.

Keeping your air conditioning running all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re out, and turning it back down when you come back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the work for you.

It’s far more laborious for your system to achieve the same temp for many hours. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it could also cause a reduced life span for your AC unit.

No matter what, the bigger the difference between your house’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 electric bills low in the warm weather? Here are our ideas based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by raising 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 out. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your home any sooner, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to consistently run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house let conditioned air to quickly get out and warmer air to get within. This may result in your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence cool and your utility bills to climb. 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 assures that your unit is always running at its most efficient. This lets our experts to locate small issues before they turn into serious dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and could even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to ensure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works along with your smartphone to know when you’re home or away to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can anticipate a properly taken care of AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Improve Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Tri City Fuel & Heating

No one likes to see their electricity bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses down this summer, our professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 803-265-4208 or contact us online now for extra details.