As the temperature rises, so does your energy costs. To keep your air conditioning bills down you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Cottonwood & Prescott?

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

Keeping your air conditioning going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and lowering it when you come back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.

It’s far more taxing for your system to stay at a constant setting for many hours. It can also result in a lot of stress on your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it might also cause a shortened life expectancy for your air conditioner.

No matter what, the greater the difference between your home’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 season? Here are our ideas based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. During the summer, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than average when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool off your residence any quicker, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures may appear toasty, there are additional methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the AC.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house let conditioned air to quickly slip out and warmer air to get inside. This could lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence cool and your AC bills to skyrocket. Check 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 Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your AC is always running at its most efficient. This allows our experts to spot small issues before they result in substantial troubles. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and can even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re home or gone to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can expect a properly taken care of AC unit to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often 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 carry 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 Connolly Electric & Mechanical

No one enjoys seeing their energy bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills low this summer, our professionals can help. Reach us at 928-251-4327 or contact us online right away for additional details.