As the temp increases, so does your AC bills. To keep your AC bills down you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Phoenix?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually not true.
Keeping your air conditioner running all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you get back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.
It’s much more work for your system to keep a constant setting all day long. It can also result in 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 may also result in a reduced life span for your air conditioner.
No matter what, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC costs will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility bills lower in the hot weather? Here are our ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Ways to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Change Your Temperature. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. During the summer months, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s additionally important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any faster, it just causes higher energy costs. While these temperatures could seem warm, there are many approaches to keep cool without having to consistently run the AC.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% throughout the warmer months. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds lowered and curtains drawn during the day helps keep conditioned air in. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks all across a residence enable cooler air to rapidly slip out and warm air to get inside. This may lead to your AC unit being required to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your utility costs to increase. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple mends for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Plan for Annual Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your equipment is always functioning at its most energy efficient. This permits our professionals to identify small issues before they turn into serious problems. A maintained AC unit is generally more efficient and can even last longer.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to know when you’re home or gone to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on energy expenses.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can expect a properly maintained air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently contacting us for air conditioning repair or your utility expenses are climbing with no shifts in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Increase Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc
No one likes to see their electricity bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and expenses lower this summer, our team can help. Reach us at 602-832-7808 or contact us online now for extra info.