As the temperature goes up, so does your energy expenses. To keep your air conditioning bills under control you might be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Magnolia?

It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your air conditioning going constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it down when you come home. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.

It’s far more work for your system to achieve the same temperature throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of stress on your air conditioner, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it can also lead to a shorter life span for your AC.

In any case, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay 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 Ways to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away. Through the summer, it’s recommended to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while 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 house any sooner, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC unit.
  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 lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house enable conditioned air to quickly escape and warm air to get in. This can lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home cooler and your energy bills to climb. Make certain that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your AC is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to identify small issues before they become significant problems. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to see when you’re at your house or out to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can foresee a properly maintained AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with JTech Mechanical

No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs lower this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 281-231-8768 or contact us online now for more info.