As the temp goes up, so does your air conditioning costs. To keep your cooling costs low you might be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in West Columbia?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your air conditioning running all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it down when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work 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 strain on your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it might also result in a shortened life span for your air conditioner.

Regardless, the bigger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your electric bills low in the summer season? Here are our suggestions based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away. In the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s also important to forgo 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 results in bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear toasty, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to always run the air conditioner.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn during the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a residence allow for conditioned air to quickly slip out and warm air to get within. This can result in your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your home cooler and your utility bills to skyrocket. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your equipment is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our pros to detect small issues before they turn into major problems. A maintained air conditioner is generally more efficient and can even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works along with your smartphone to notice when you’re at home or elsewhere to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 annually on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect a properly cared for AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Increase Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Tri City Fuel & Heating

No one enjoys seeing their utility bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and costs low this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 803-265-4208 or contact us online now for additional info.