As the heat increases, so does your AC bills. To keep your cooling bills down you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Macon?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually not true.

Keeping your AC on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the work for you.

It’s far more work for your system to achieve the same temperature all day long. It can also cause a lot of strain on 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 greater 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 summer season? Here are our tips based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. Through the summer, it’s advised to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any quicker, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear toasty, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains drawn during the day helps keep cool 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 openings throughout a home allow for conditioned air to quickly slip out and warm air to get within. This can cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your home cool and your AC bills to increase. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your system is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our pros to identify small issues before they result in major dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works with your smartphone to know when you’re home or out to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can figure a properly cared for air conditioner 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 could be time for an upgrade. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Air Temperature Control

No one enjoys seeing their energy bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses down this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 478-202-3170 or contact us online right away for more info.