As the temp increases, so does your energy costs. To keep your AC costs controlled you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Highlands Ranch?

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

Keeping your AC running all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it down when you come back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.

It’s far more laborious for your system to keep a consistent temperature throughout the day. It can also lead to a lot of stress on your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it could also cause a shorter life cycle for your AC.

In any case, the bigger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your energy bills low in the warm weather? Here are our suggestions based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away at work. Through the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your house any quicker, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to always run the air conditioning.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains shut during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver additional insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house allow for conditioned air to rapidly get out and warmer air to get in. This could result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house cool and your utility bills to increase. Make certain that any cracks, doors and windows are properly 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 ensures your system is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our experts to spot simple issues before they become significant problems. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and could even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to ensure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works together with your smartphone to know when you’re in your home or away to enhance your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 every year on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can figure a properly taken care of air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a new system. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with PS Cool Heat

No one likes to see their air conditioning bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills lower this summer, our team can help. Get in touch with us at 720-613-2210 or contact us online right away for extra information.