As the temp goes up, so does your AC costs. To keep your AC bills low you might be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Fredericksburg?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually a myth.

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

It’s far more work for your system to achieve the same setting throughout the day. It can also result in a lot of strain on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it might also lead to a shortened life cycle for your AC.

In any case, the larger 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 stay cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer? 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. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. In the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any faster, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear toasty, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the air conditioner.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a residence permit conditioned air to easily escape and warm air to get inside. This could cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your home cool and your energy bills to skyrocket. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your AC is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our pros to find small issues before they turn into significant problems. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works with your smartphone to know when you’re home or out to maximize your energy 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 maintained AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

Enhance Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Childress Heating & AC

No one likes to see their utility bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills down this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 540-675-4306 or contact us online now for extra information.