As the temp rises, so does your AC bills. To keep your cooling costs down you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Wilkes Barre and Scranton?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually not true.

Keeping your air conditioner running all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it back down when you return. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.

It’s a lot more laborious for your system to keep a consistent temp throughout the day. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it might also lead to a shorter life cycle for your AC.

No matter what, the greater the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more 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 ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. During the summer, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any sooner, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the AC.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a home permit conditioned air to quickly slip out and warm air to get in. This may cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your house cooler and your AC bills to climb. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your equipment is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our pros to detect little issues before they become substantial problems. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and can even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re at home or out to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 every year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can anticipate a properly maintained air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Enhance Your House’s Energy Efficiency with GLR Mechanical

No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and expenses lower this summer, our professionals can help. Give us a call at 570-309-0403 or contact us online today for extra information.