As the heat goes up, so does your energy expenses. To keep your air conditioning bills low you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Justin?

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

Keeping your air conditioning on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and lowering it when you get 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 constant setting all day long. It can also result in a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it can also cause a shortened life expectancy for your AC unit.

In any case, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your electric 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 Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out. During the summer, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any faster, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear toasty, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen energy 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 exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home allow for conditioned air to quickly escape and warmer air to get inside. This could result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence cool and your utility bills to increase. Make certain 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. Arrange Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your equipment is always performing at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to spot simple issues before they result in serious problems. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and could even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to know when you’re home or gone to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can foresee a properly cared for AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Pepper AC & Heat

No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills low this summer, our team can help. Get in touch with us at 940-202-1184 or contact us online today for more information.