As the temperature goes up, so does your energy costs. To keep your cooling costs low you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Rio Grande Valley?

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

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

It’s a lot more laborious for your system to achieve a consistent temp for many hours. It can also lead to a lot of stress on your air conditioner, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it may also lead to a reduced life cycle for your AC.

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

Six Approaches to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE states 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. During 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 also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your home any faster, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to always run the AC.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house let conditioned air to quickly get out and the heat to get inside. This can lead to your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your energy bills to skyrocket. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your equipment is always functioning at its most efficient. This lets our experts to locate simple issues before they become major dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and can even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to know when you’re in your home or away to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can foresee 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 might be time for a new system. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Enhance Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.

No one enjoys seeing their air conditioning bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and costs lower this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at 956-630-3522 or contact us online right away for more info.