As the temperature rises, so does your energy expenses. To keep your cooling expenses under control you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Central Point?

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

Keeping your AC going constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it down when you get back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.

It’s a lot more laborious for your system to keep the same temp all day long. It can also cause a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it might also cause a reduced life span for your AC.

Regardless, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer? Here are our ideas based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Boost 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 turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. In the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s additionally important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your home any quicker, it just leads to bigger energy bills. While these temperatures may appear toasty, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to always run the AC unit.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut during the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a residence enable conditioned air to rapidly get out and the heat to get inside. This may cause your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home cool and your energy bills to rise. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your equipment is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our pros to spot simple issues before they result in serious dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to know when you’re at home or elsewhere to enhance your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can anticipate a properly maintained air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a new system. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Titan Heating & Air Conditioning

No one enjoys seeing their utility bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and expenses low this summer, our professionals can help. Reach us at 541-286-6617 or contact us online right away for additional info.