As the temp increases, so does your air conditioning expenses. To keep your air conditioning costs low you could be wondering, 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 not true.

Keeping your AC on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it down when you come home. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.

It’s significantly more work for your system to keep a consistent 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 electricity bills, it might also lead to a reduced life span for your HVAC system.

Regardless, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% annually 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 elsewhere. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your home any sooner, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can decrease air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house allow for conditioned air to easily escape and the heat to get in. This could lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home cooler and your utility bills to rise. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your unit is always functioning at its most efficient. This lets our pros to locate simple issues before they become significant troubles. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and might even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and efficiency 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 at home or gone to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can figure a properly maintained AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a new system. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning

No one likes to see their air conditioning bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills low this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at 805-242-9638 or contact us online right away for more details.