As the heat increases, so does your AC costs. To keep your AC costs down you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Los Angeles?
It’s a popular belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your air conditioner running all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it back down when you come back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.
It’s significantly more work for your system to achieve a consistent temperature throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of stress on your system, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it might also result in a reduced life expectancy for your air conditioner.
No matter what, the bigger the difference between your indoor 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? Here are our suggestions based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Methods to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out of the house. Through the summer, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any quicker, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear high, there are many methods to keep cool without having to constantly run the air conditioner.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower AC by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed 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.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a house permit conditioned air to rapidly get out and warmer air to get in. This could lead to your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your home cool and your AC bills to increase. Make certain that any cracks, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
- Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your system is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our pros to locate little issues before they turn into major problems. A clean air conditioner is usually more efficient and might even run for a longer period of time.
- 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 day-to-day schedule. It works along with your smartphone to know when you’re at home or away to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on energy costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can anticipate a properly cared for air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a new system. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.
Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with AZ Air Conditioning and Heating
No one wants to see their energy bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills down this summer, our experts can help. Give us a call at 800-296-5088 or contact us online today for extra details.