As the temperature rises, so does your air conditioning bills. To keep your AC expenses controlled you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Cambridge?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually a misconception.

Keeping your AC on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re out, and turning it down when you get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.

It’s significantly more work for your system to stay at a constant setting throughout the day. It can also lead to a lot of wear and tear to your air conditioner, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it can also lead to a reduced life expectancy for your AC unit.

No matter what, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your utility bills low in the hot weather? Here are our suggestions based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out of the house. During the summer, it’s recommended to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any quicker, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to always run the air conditioner.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower AC by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds low and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver extra insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a house allow for conditioned air to quickly get out and warmer air to get within. This could result in your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your home cool and your AC bills to increase. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your system is always functioning at its most efficient. This lets our experts to find little issues before they become significant troubles. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and might even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to sense when you’re at home or elsewhere to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can expect a properly taken care of air conditioner to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Pliescott HVAC Services LLC

No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and costs lower this summer, our team can help. Get in touch with us at 410-228-4822 or contact us online today for extra info.