As the temperature goes up, so does your energy costs. To keep your air conditioning expenses down you may be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Buellton?

It’s a popular belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a misconception.

Keeping your AC going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and turning it down when you come back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.

It’s a lot more laborious for your system to stay at the same temperature all day long. It can also cause a lot of stress on your equipment, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it might also result in a reduced life expectancy for your AC.

Regardless, the larger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your utility bills low in the summer? Here are our ideas based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. During the summer, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your residence any quicker, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures may appear toasty, there are a number of methods to keep cool without having to constantly run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds low and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver additional insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a residence permit conditioned air to quickly get out and warmer air to get in. This could result in your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your house cool and your AC bills to increase. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your equipment is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to find small issues before they turn into major problems. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works along with your smartphone to sense when you’re home or gone to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can foresee a properly cared for AC unit to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a replacement. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning

No one enjoys seeing their air conditioning bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills low this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 805-242-9638 or contact us online now for extra info.