As the temp rises, so does your AC expenses. To keep your air conditioning expenses low you might be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Sarasota?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually false.

Keeping your air conditioner going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend adjusting 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 the work for you.

It’s far more taxing for your system to achieve the same temperature throughout the day. It can also lead to a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also result in a reduced life span for your AC unit.

No matter what, the greater the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. Through the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any faster, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures could appear toasty, there are a number of methods to keep cool without having to always run the air conditioning.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can decrease energy by up to 14% over the course of the warm 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 conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house let conditioned air to rapidly get out and the heat to get in. This can lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your home cool and your AC bills to skyrocket. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your equipment is always running at its most efficient. This permits our experts to identify simple issues before they result in major troubles. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to 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 regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to see when you’re at your house or away to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can figure a properly maintained air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Airtech Cooling & Heating

No one likes to see their energy bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills low this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 941-377-7956 or contact us online now for additional information.