As the temp goes up, so does your AC bills. To keep your cooling costs under control you could be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Columbia?

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

Keeping your air conditioner going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it down when you get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.

It’s considerably more taxing for your system to stay at a consistent setting all day long. It can also result in a lot of stress on your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it can also cause a shorter life span for your air conditioner.

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

Six Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. During the summer, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time 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 usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your house any faster, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are a number of methods to keep cool without having to always run the air conditioner.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut during the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home permit conditioned air to quickly slip out and warm air to get in. This could lead to your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence cool 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 near windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your equipment is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our pros to find small issues before they become substantial dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re at home or out to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 yearly on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can expect 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 energy bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Watts Electric & AC

No one enjoys seeing their utility bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses low this summer, our experts can help. Give us a call at 601-736-7362 or contact us online today for additional details.