As the temp rises, so does your energy bills. To keep your air conditioning expenses under control you might be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Philadelphia?

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

Keeping your AC running all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and lowering it when you come back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.

It’s significantly more taxing for your system to keep a constant temp for many hours. It can also lead to a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it might also result in a shortened life cycle for your air conditioner.

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

Six Methods to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust 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. During the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s additionally important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool off your residence any quicker, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the air conditioning.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home allow for conditioned air to easily get out and warmer air to get in. This could result in your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your house cool and your energy bills to climb. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your air conditioner is always running at its most efficient. This allows our experts to spot simple issues before they turn into substantial problems. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to ensure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works together with your smartphone to know when you’re in your home or out to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can foresee a properly taken care of AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Retro HVAC Service & Installation

No one enjoys seeing their air conditioning bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses low this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 267-277-3851 or contact us online now for extra info.