As the temp rises, so does your air conditioning costs. To keep your cooling bills low you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Muskogee?

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

Keeping your AC on all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re elsewhere, and turning it down when you come back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.

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

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also lead to a shorter life cycle for your HVAC system.

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 electric bills low in the warm weather? Here are our suggestions based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out of the house. In the summer, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s additionally important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any faster, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains closed during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home permit conditioned air to easily escape and the heat to get within. This may lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence cool and your energy bills to skyrocket. Make certain that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your unit is always running at its most efficient. This permits our pros to spot little issues before they result in significant dilemmas. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and could even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to ensure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works with your smartphone to know when you’re at home or elsewhere to enhance your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can figure a properly cared for AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a new system. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc.

No one likes to see their utility bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs lower this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 918-682-8238 or contact us online today for extra info.