As the temp rises, so does your AC bills. To keep your cooling costs low you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Long Island?
It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a misconception.
Keeping your air conditioning running all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it down when you get back. You can do 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 achieve a consistent temperature for many hours. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also lead to a shorter 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 air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer season? Here are our suggestions based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Tweak Your Temperature. The DOE says that you can spend up to 10% less annually on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. During the warmer months, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s additionally important to avoid setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any quicker, it just leads to more expensive energy expenses. While these temperatures could appear high, there are additional ways to keep cooler without having to constantly run the AC unit.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% during the course of the cooling season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep cooler air in. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks around a home let conditioned air to rapidly get out and warmer air to get in. This can cause your AC needing to work harder to keep your home cooler and your energy expenses to skyrocket. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
- Plan for Routine Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your AC is always running at its best. This lets our experts to identify simple issues before they become significant dilemmas. A maintained AC is generally more efficient and may even run for a greater period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest approaches to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively changes the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re at your house or out to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on HVAC expenses.
- Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can foresee a properly cared for AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly needing us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are climbing with no fluctuations in thermostat settings, it may 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 compromising comfort.
Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Airmax Long Island Inc
No one enjoys seeing their utility bill rise during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills low this summer, our team can help. Give us a call at 631-737-5566 or contact us online now for extra info.