As the temp increases, so does your air conditioning bills. To keep your air conditioning expenses under control you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Tucson?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually false.
Keeping your AC on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you return. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.
It’s significantly more taxing for your system to keep a consistent temp all day long. It can also lead to a lot of wear and tear to your air conditioner, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it can also lead to a shortened life cycle for your AC unit.
Regardless, the greater the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your electric bills lower in the hot weather? Here are our tips based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Modify Your Temperature. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out. In the warmer months, 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 colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any sooner, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are a number of approaches to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC unit.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% throughout the summer. 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 closed for the duration of the day helps keep cool air in. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks all around a home enable conditioned air to rapidly escape and warm air to get in. This could cause your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home cool and your energy bills to increase. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple solutions for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Plan for Annual Tune-Ups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your equipment is always functioning at its best. This lets our professionals to spot small issues before they result in significant troubles. A clean AC is typically more efficient and may even live longer.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to sense when you’re at home or gone to enhance your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 yearly on HVAC bills.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can expect an adequately taken care of AC unit to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently needing us for air conditioning repair or your utility expenses are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.
Enhance Your House’s Energy Efficiency with A&M Heating & Cooling LLC
No one likes to see their electricity bill rise during the warmer months. If you’re in search of more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses down this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 520-200-1048 or contact us online right away for additional details.