As the heat increases, so does your energy costs. To keep your air conditioning costs down you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Odessa?

It’s a popular 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 on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend 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 will do the job for you.

It’s a lot more work for your system to keep a consistent temperature throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of strain on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

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

No matter what, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your utility bills low in the summer season? Here are our ideas based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away. In the summer, it’s suggested to set 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 air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any faster, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are many methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the AC unit.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut during the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence allow for conditioned air to rapidly slip out and warmer air to get in. This could cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your house cool and your utility bills to skyrocket. Make sure that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your air conditioner is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our professionals to identify simple issues before they turn into substantial problems. A well-kept air conditioner is generally more efficient and can even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to notice when you’re at your house or away to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 annually on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can figure a properly cared for AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a replacement. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning

No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and costs low this summer, our professionals can help. Reach us at 432-237-0168 or contact us online now for more info.