As the temp increases, so does your energy bills. To keep your AC bills low you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Naples?

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

Keeping your air conditioning going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you return. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the work for you.

It’s a lot more laborious for your system to keep a constant setting throughout the day. It can also result in a lot of stress on your equipment, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it might also cause a reduced life expectancy for your AC unit.

In any case, the bigger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your air conditioning 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 Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. Through the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any faster, it just results in bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear toasty, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease energy by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn during the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a home let conditioned air to quickly escape and the heat to get in. This could lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home cool and your utility bills to skyrocket. Make sure that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your unit is always running at its most efficient. This allows our experts to spot small issues before they result in major dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and may even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re at home or out to enhance your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 every year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can expect a properly taken care of AC unit to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a replacement. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Speedy Air Conditioning

No one wants to see their utility bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills low this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 239-244-3439 or contact us online today for more info.