The US Department of Energy says that AC can account for up to 47% of your utility bill. At Air Doctorx Heating & Air Conditioning we take energy efficiency seriously and have some advice on air conditioning use as well as tips on how to stay cool and use your air conditioner less.
In Delaware we understand that air conditioning is crucial for comfort during the hot months and our advice may help you save money on your monthly bill.
It is a common misconception that leaving your AC on all day will use less energy. People say that it uses more energy to cool the house back down than to keep it at a constant temperature. This is entirely untrue. The behavior of heat is to constantly try and fill in where there is none or where there is less. In other words, when your house is cool the heat from the outside is constantly trying to get in, and the harder the heat tries to get in the harder the AC has to work to keep it out. Which means your air conditioner is just constantly running even when you aren’t around to enjoy it.
The easiest and quickest way to save money is not to use your air conditioning when you don’t need it or aren’t at home. You may wish to invest in one of the smart or programmable thermostats which Air Doctorx Heating & Air Conditioning offers. You can program these thermostats to turn the AC on half an hour before you get home, then you won’t have to wait for the house to cool down after work. We offer these HERE or you can call us or request service online for information.
When you are home, turn your AC up a few degrees. If you are comfortable at 68 degrees, turn it up to 70, and turn it up at night. Just doing these two things can save you 5%-15% on your monthly bill. Supplement the warmer temperature by making use of ceiling fans and bed fans. Air circulation is a huge factor is keeping cool. Our bodies have their own evaporative cooling system (its call sweat) and utilizing fans to keep air circulating helps us use this to stay cool.
Regular air conditioner maintenance is suggested to keep your unit running as efficiently as possible. We recommend a full tune up at least once a season but there are a few things you can do yourself. Check, clean and/or replace your air filter. Air flow is so important for efficient AC function and a dirty or clogged air filter is the prime suspect when a unit is using to much energy.
Keeping your condenser shaded and cool can save you up to 10% on your bill. Check the condenser for debris and growth and clear away any that is covering the coils. Keeping the coils exposed is important for air flow and you should clean the coils at the beginning of each season.
If you need to service your air conditioner or need advice on how to cut your energy costs please call us at (302) 492-1333 or request service online. We want to keep you comfortable and help you save money in the long run.
