As the temp goes up, so does your air conditioning costs. To keep your cooling costs low you could be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in West Valley City?
It’s a popular belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is inefficient. 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 away, and lowering it when you return. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.
It’s far more work for your system to keep the same setting throughout the day. It can also cause 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 could also result in a reduced life span for your HVAC system.
In any case, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your utility bills down in the summer? Here are our ideas based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Methods to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can save up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. During the summer, it’s recommended to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool down your residence any quicker, it just results in more expensive utility costs. While these temperatures may appear high, there are a number of approaches to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC unit.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% during the course of the warm months. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains shut during the day helps keep chilled air in. There are also some window coverings made to deliver extra insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks all around a house enable cool air to rapidly slip out and warm air to get within. This may result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house cool and your energy bills to climb. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
- Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your unit is always performing at its best. This permits our experts to spot small issues before they turn into major problems. A well-kept AC unit is usually more efficient and may even run longer.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to ensure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically alters the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to see when you’re home or out to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on HVAC expenses.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can anticipate an adequately cared for AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility expenses are skyrocketing with no shifts in thermostat settings, it might be time for a new system. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning
No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill increase during the warm months. If you’re wanting more ways to keep your energy usage and bills lower this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at 801-305-4777 or contact us online now for extra info.