As the temp rises, so does your energy costs. To keep your cooling expenses down you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Norco and St. Charles Parish?

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

Keeping your AC on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and lowering it when you return. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.

It’s a lot more work for your system to keep a consistent setting throughout the day. It can also result in a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also lead to a reduced life expectancy for your AC unit.

Regardless, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer? Here are our ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. Through the summer, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool down your residence any quicker, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the air conditioning.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by just 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 be mindful that that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home let conditioned air to easily slip out and warm air to get within. This can result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house cool and your AC bills to skyrocket. Make certain that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your system is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our experts to locate small issues before they turn into serious troubles. A maintained air conditioner is usually more efficient and could even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re at home or out to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can figure a properly taken care of AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Enhance Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Mayeuxs AC & Heating

No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses lower this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at (985) 764-2426 or contact us online today for more details.