As the temperature goes up, so does your AC costs. To keep your AC bills down you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Albuquerque?

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

Keeping your air conditioning on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it down when you get back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.

It’s much more laborious for your system to stay at the same temp for many hours. It can also cause a lot of strain on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

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

No matter what, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer season? 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. Change 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 advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any sooner, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to always run the AC.
2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a residence permit conditioned air to quickly slip out and warmer air to get within. This can cause your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence cool and your energy 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 Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your air conditioner is always running at its most efficient. This lets our pros to spot small issues before they turn into significant problems. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even last for a longer period of time.
5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to ensure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works together with your smartphone to know when you’re in your home or out to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually 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 run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy 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 negotiating comfort.

Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Tru Air Systems LLC

No one likes to see their air conditioning bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills down this summer, our professionals can help. Reach us at 505-226-3525 or contact us online right away for additional information.