As the heat goes up, so does your air conditioning bills. To keep your cooling bills controlled you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Lake Worth?

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

Keeping your AC on all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and lowering it when you get back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.

It’s far more work for your system to stay at a constant temp all day long. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it may also lead to a reduced life span for your air conditioner.

In any case, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your utility bills low in the summer? Here are our suggestions based on 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% a year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out of the house. During the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any sooner, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are additional methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the AC.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can decrease energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains shut during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver extra insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a residence permit conditioned air to quickly get out and warmer air to get within. This could cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your energy bills to increase. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your unit is always running at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to find little issues before they become significant troubles. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and may even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works along with your smartphone to know when you’re at home or out to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 annually on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can anticipate a properly taken care of AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Improve Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Smyth Air Conditioning

No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses down this summer, our professionals can help. Give us a call at 561-533-6066 or contact us online now for additional information.