As the temp rises, so does your energy expenses. To keep your cooling costs down you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Manassas?

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 running all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re out, and lowering it when you get back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the job for you.

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

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also cause a shorter life cycle for your AC unit.

Regardless, the greater the difference between your home’s 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 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. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out of the house. Through the summer, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your residence any sooner, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures might appear high, there are a number of methods to keep comfortable without having to always run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains shut during the day helps keep chilled 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 house allow for conditioned air to quickly slip out and warm air to get in. This can lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house comfortable and your utility bills to rise. Make sure that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your air conditioner is always running at its most efficient. This lets our professionals to identify little issues before they turn into substantial dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and energy savings 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 your house or away to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 every year on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can figure a properly cared for AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are skyrocketing 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.

Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Woody's Sudden Service

No one wants to see 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 experts can help. Get in touch with us at 703-278-2036 or contact us online now for extra details.