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

It’s a popular belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your air conditioning running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it back down when you get back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.

It’s significantly more taxing for your system to achieve a constant temperature all day long. It can also result in a lot of strain on your system, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also cause a reduced life expectancy for your AC.

No matter what, the greater the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric bills low in the summer? Here are our tips 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. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. Through the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your home any faster, it just results in bigger electric bills. While these temperatures could appear toasty, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC unit.
  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 decrease air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house permit conditioned air to quickly escape and warm air to get within. This can result in your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence cool and your energy bills to rise. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your unit is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to spot simple issues before they become substantial troubles. A clean air conditioner is usually more efficient and might even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works along with your smartphone to notice when you’re home or out to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 yearly on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can anticipate a properly taken care of AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a new system. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Air Temperature Control

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