As the temperature increases, so does your energy expenses. To keep your cooling costs down you could be wondering, 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 air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a misconception.

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

It’s a lot more taxing for your system to keep a constant temperature throughout the day. It can also lead to 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 can also cause a shortened life expectancy for your AC unit.

No matter what, the bigger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility bills low in the hot weather? Here are our tips based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away. During the summer, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. 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 off your home any faster, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear high, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to always run the AC.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house let conditioned air to easily escape and the heat to get in. This can result in your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence cool and your utility bills to skyrocket. Make certain that any cracks, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your AC is always functioning at its most efficient. This lets our pros to detect small issues before they turn into serious dilemmas. A well-kept 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 easiest methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works along with your smartphone to sense when you’re at your house or out to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can expect a properly taken care of AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a new system. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

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

No one enjoys seeing their energy bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses lower this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 956-630-3522 or contact us online today for extra info.