As the temperatures start to rise, many homeowners wonder about the most efficient use of their air conditioning. While we all enjoy being at a comfortable temperature inside our homes, no one wants to face massive energy bills. Fortunately, with modern air conditioning systems, you don’t need to choose between feeling cool and saving money. It is possible to feel comfortable when you are at home, but should you turn off your air conditioning when you are away to try to save money?
The Popular Myth:
There is a popular myth that leaving your air conditioning on throughout the day will cost you less in the long term, as you don’t need to kick start the system when you turn it on again. This is completely false and by leaving your air conditioning running when you are not home, you are not using your system efficiently. Running the air conditioning all day will result in higher energy consumption. In fact, most air conditioners work best if they are operating at optimum capacity to cool a room rather than fluctuating to accommodate slight temperature variances.
You may also find that leaving your air conditioning on constantly throughout the summer could compromise the lifespan of your system. If you use your system more efficiently, putting it on only when necessary rather than constantly running it, you could add several years to its potential lifespan. Additionally, adopting these practices should also become apparent on your energy bills as you notice that the summer months are not costing you as much as they used to.
The Right Way to Save Energy:
If you are concerned about your summer energy usage, it is better to consider whether you really need it as cold as you’ve set the thermostat. Research shows that by reducing your air conditioner thermostat settings by only one degree, you could save 5% on the cost of cooling your home. Of course, you need to choose a comfortable temperature for your family, but consider whether one degree would make a huge difference to your comfort levels.
One of the most effective ways to save energy cooling your home is to install a programmable thermostat. This type of device will allow you to program when your air conditioning is turned on and off. You can set a program on the thermostat so that your home is cool and comfortable when you are home. Many models of thermostat allow for multiple settings, so you can set the temperature slightly higher at night if you prefer a slightly warmer bedroom. You may even find that your chosen thermostat has a compatible app, which allows you to remotely control the air conditioner settings using your smartphone. This means that you can turn on the AC while you are on your way home so that it feels wonderfully cool the moment you step in the door.
Keeping cool need not cost a fortune. With an efficient air conditioning system, a programmable thermostat and some sensible practices, you can stay cool without enduring massive energy bills.