Air conditioning is essential when it’s hot outside, but some systems use a lot of energy and end up costing homeowners a lot throughout the summer. The good news is that there are simple, effective options for improving the quality of your air conditioning that can reduce monthly energy costs! With spring winding down and summer approaching, it’s an ideal time to have your air conditioner run as efficiently as possible. Here are some ideas that can let you get the most out of your cooling system:
Supercooling
For those on a tight budget or with limited time, supercooling is an effective way to bring down energy costs and the average temperature of your home simultaneously. The first step is to find the time of day when energy is cheapest to use in your home by reaching out to your utility company. In most areas, these lower-cost hours are at night and in the earlier part of the day. During these hours, turn your air conditioning down as low as you comfortably can, which is usually no less than about 65 degrees. As the day progresses and the lower cost hours end, turn your thermostat back up to around 75. Your home should still be cool from the earlier supercooling, and you won’t be cranking your AC during peak heat.
Switch to a Programmable Thermostat
Another simple way to bring down your air conditioner’s energy use is by switching over to a programmable thermostat. It is not uncommon for homeowners to accidentally leave their air conditioner on when they don’t need it or aren’t home, which can waste energy and lead to unnecessarily higher bills. With a programmable thermostat, you’ll no longer have to worry about forgetting to turn your AC down and cooling an empty house by mistake. Modern programmable thermostats are easy to install and can be set to automatically turn the temperature in your house up during the hours you aren’t home. This relatively small investment can save your household on energy costs for years to come.
Invest in a System Upgrade
If you are consistently getting burned by high energy costs despite being conservative with your AC, it may be the right time to consider upgrading. If your system is over ten years old, it might be using up to three times as much energy as a newer, more efficient one. Upgrading your whole air conditioning system may seem like a significant investment, but the cumulative savings on energy can help you see a substantial return over time. Ask your AC repair professional about the energy rating, as well. By picking a higher energy-rated system, you can ensure smaller energy bills and reduced emissions.
To learn more about how our air conditioning services near Forsyth County, NC, can help you stay cool all summer without breaking the bank, reach out to our experts today!
