As the temp increases, so does your energy costs. To keep your AC bills controlled you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in McKinney and Frisco?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually false.

Keeping your air conditioning on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and lowering it when you get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the work for you.

It’s far more taxing for your system to keep a constant temperature for many hours. It can also cause a lot of stress on your system, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it could also result in a shortened life cycle for your AC unit.

In any case, 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 utility bills low in the hot weather? Here are our ideas based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. In the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s additionally important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your house any quicker, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are additional methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the AC unit.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds down and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and boost 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 result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your AC bills to climb. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your unit is always running at its most efficient. This lets our pros to find little issues before they become substantial problems. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works along with your smartphone to notice when you’re at your house or elsewhere to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can anticipate a properly taken care of AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a new system. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Bell Mechanical Services

No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills down this summer, our professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 888-863-0560 or contact us online now for more details.