As the heat increases, so does your AC expenses. To keep your cooling bills down you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Portland?
It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your air conditioning on all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it back 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 a lot more laborious for your system to stay at the same setting 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 utility bills, it might also lead to a shortened life expectancy for your AC.
No matter what, the greater the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your electric bills low in the summer? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Approaches to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- 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 during the time you’re away. In the summer, it’s recommended to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any faster, it just results in bigger electric bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are many methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the AC unit.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains shut during the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence permit conditioned air to quickly escape and warm air to get within. This could result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence cool and your AC bills to climb. Check 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.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your system is always functioning at its most efficient. This lets our professionals to find simple issues before they result in significant dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and can even last for a longer period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re home or out to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can anticipate a properly maintained AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a new system. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.
Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Three Rivers Heating and Cooling
No one wants to see their energy bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs low this summer, our team can help. Reach us at (503) 739-5400 or contact us online today for extra info.