As the temperature rises, so does your air conditioning costs. To keep your cooling bills under control you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in the Rio Grande Valley?
It’s a popular belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your air conditioner on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it back down when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.
It’s a lot more work for your system to keep a consistent setting throughout the day. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it might also result in a shorter life expectancy for your air conditioner.
Regardless, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your energy costs will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your utility bills low in the hot weather? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Approaches to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Modify Your Thermostat Usage. 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 hotter months, it’s recommended 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 normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your residence any quicker, it just causes more expensive utility costs. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are many ways to keep cool without having to always run the AC unit.
- Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% throughout the cooling season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn for the duration of the day helps keep cooler air indoors. There are also some window coverings made to deliver additional insulation and increase energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house permit cool air to quickly get out and the heat to get in. This may lead to your AC unit being required to work harder to keep your house cooler and your utility bills to climb. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick mends for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Plan for Annual Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your equipment is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to locate little issues before they become serious problems. A clean AC unit is generally more efficient and can even last for a longer period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest ways to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adapts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works with your smartphone to see when you’re in your home or away to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling bills.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can anticipate a properly maintained AC unit to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC costs are climbing with no altering 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 compromising comfort.
Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.
No one enjoys seeing their energy bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re wanting more ways to keep your energy usage and bills low this summer, our team can help. Reach us at 956-630-3522 or contact us online now for more information.