As the temp goes up, so does your energy expenses. To keep your cooling expenses low you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Zelienople?
It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually false.
Keeping your AC running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and lowering it when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.
It’s much more taxing for your system to keep a constant temperature for many hours. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to 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 reduced life span for your AC.
No matter what, the bigger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC bills will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility bills lower in the summer season? Here are our ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Tweak Your Thermostat Usage. The DOE says that you can save up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out of the house. Through the summer months, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s also important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your residence any faster, it just results in higher utility costs. While these temperatures might appear high, there are a number of ways to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the AC unit.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% during the course of the warmer months. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut during the day helps keep cool air in. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps around a residence permit cooler air to easily escape and the heat to get inside. This could result in your air conditioner being required to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your utility expenses to increase. Make certain that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy solutions for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Plan for Regular Tune-Ups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your unit is always functioning at its most energy efficient. This allows our professionals to locate small issues before they turn into serious troubles. A clean AC unit is typically more efficient and might even run longer.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest ways to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adapts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works together with your smartphone to know when you’re at your house or gone to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 per year on heating and cooling expenses.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can figure a sufficiently cared for AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently needing us for air conditioning repair or your energy costs are skyrocketing with no shifts in thermostat settings, it might be time for a new system. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.
Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Knoechel Heating Company
No one enjoys seeing their energy bill increase during the summer. If you’re seeking more ways to keep your energy use and expenses down this summer, our professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 724-425-5852 or contact us online today for additional info.