As the temperature increases, so does your air conditioning bills. To keep your cooling bills low you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Tomball?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your AC going constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and lowering it when you come back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.

It’s considerably more taxing for your system to stay at a constant temp throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of wear and tear to your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

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

In any case, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep 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. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. Through the summer, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your house any quicker, it just results in bigger electric bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are many methods to keep cool without having to constantly run the AC unit.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower AC by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a residence let conditioned air to easily get out and warmer air to get within. This may cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your house comfortable and your AC bills to climb. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your AC is always running at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to identify little issues before they become significant troubles. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works with your smartphone to know when you’re at home or away to optimize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can figure a properly maintained air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a new system. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Premium Air Services LLC

No one wants to see their energy bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills low this summer, our experts can help. Reach us at 713-364-9957 or contact us online today for additional information.