As the heat increases, so does your air conditioning costs. To keep your AC costs low you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Naples?
It’s a common belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually not true.
Keeping your air conditioner running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, 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 a lot more work for your system to keep the same setting all day long. It can also cause a lot of wear and tear to your equipment, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it can also result in a reduced life span for your AC.
Regardless, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer? Here are our ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Approaches to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Modify Your Thermostat Usage. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. Through the summer, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your home any sooner, it just leads to more expensive utility costs. While these temperatures could feel high, there are a number of ways to keep cool without having to consistently run the air conditioning.
- Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep chilled air in. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps all across a house allow for cooler air to quickly get out and warm air to get within. This could cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your house cool and your energy bills to climb. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Schedule Routine Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your equipment is always performing at its best. This allows our pro to identify little issues before they result in major problems. A maintained AC is usually more efficient and may even run for a longer period of time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively alters the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works with your smartphone to know when you’re home or gone to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 annually on energy expenses.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can foresee an adequately cared for air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy expenses are rising with no fluctuations in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.
Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with CNR Air Conditioning Inc
No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill increase during the warm months. If you’re seeking more ways to keep your energy use and bills low this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at 239-241-5318 or contact us online now for more information.