As the temp rises, so does your AC expenses. 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 popular belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a misconception.

Keeping your air conditioning going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it down when you come home. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work 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 equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it could also lead to a reduced life cycle for your air conditioner.

Regardless, the bigger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your utility bills low in the summer season? Here are our ideas based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. In the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any quicker, it just leads to bigger energy bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are additional methods to keep cooler without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower AC by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds low 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 improve energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house allow for conditioned air to quickly escape and warm air to get within. This can lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your house comfortable and your energy bills to rise. Make certain that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your air conditioner is always running at its most efficient. This permits our experts to locate simple issues before they result in serious problems. A maintained 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 easiest methods to ensure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works with your smartphone to know when you’re in your home or gone to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can figure a properly cared for AC unit to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

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

No one enjoys seeing their utility bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs down this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 713-364-9957 or contact us online today for more info.