As a homeowner, you are always looking for ways to save money on your energy bill each month. Come summertime, is it cheaper to leave the air conditioning running? Let's take a look to see if this will leave more money in your pocket.
The best way to save energy in your home is to leave your air conditioning running all the time on the "AUTO" setting. Your air conditioning will kick on and off as needed to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, rather than running all the time and using more energy.
In addition, when you turn the A/C entirely off, the home will fill up with warm air and humidity, causing your A/C system to work twice as hard to get back to the desired temperature, using more energy in the process.
Not only do you want to save money on your energy bills, but you also want your A/C system to last as long as possible. This article will look at the most efficient way to cycle your air conditioning unit. In addition, we will answer other questions about air conditioners inside your home, so read on!
Is It Cheaper To Leave Air Conditioner On All Day?
Air conditioners work by removing hot air from the room and replacing it with cool air. The hot air is pulled in from the room, passes through the evaporator coil, where the refrigerant absorbs the heat.
The cooled refrigerant is then pumped into the compressor, which increases its pressure and temperature. The compressed refrigerant is then pumped through the condenser coil, releasing its heat outside.
The process of removing hot air and replacing it with cool air takes a lot of energy, which is why your air conditioner uses so much electricity. The good news is that there are ways to minimize the amount of electricity your air conditioner uses.
By putting your air conditioning unit on "AUTO" instead of "ON," your unit will cycle on and off to maintain a comfortable temperature. This is the most efficient way to use your air conditioner because it uses the least energy.
If your air conditioner is set to "ON," then it will run continuously, no matter what the temperature is in the room. This will use a lot of energy and likely cause your energy bill to skyrocket.
Lastly, if you choose to completely turn off your air conditioning unit when it has hit its desired temperature or when you leave home, your air conditioner will have to work twice as hard when you turn it back on.
This is because the unit will have to remove all of the hot air accumulated in the room before it can start cooling the air again.
So, to answer the question, yes, it is cheaper to leave your air conditioning unit on all day but the "AUTO" setting. This will minimize the amount of energy your unit uses and will help to keep your energy bills lower.
How else can you lower air conditioning costs?
If you want to have more annual savings, you can lower your air conditioning costs by making additional changes in and around your home.
Insulation
You can start by making sure your home is well insulated. This will help keep the cool air inside your home and prevent hot air from coming in. In addition, you should make sure all gaps and cracks are sealed around doors and windows.
Ceiling Fans
Another way to lower your air conditioning costs is to use ceiling fans with your air conditioner. Ceiling fans help circulate the air in the room and make it cooler.
Change the Thermostat Temp
In addition, moving your desired temperature 8-10 degrees hotter or cooler can save as much as 10% on your energy bill in an 8 hour day. You can take advantage of this if you plan to leave home for the day or while you and your family are sleeping.
Programmable Thermostat
You can also lower your air conditioning costs by investing in a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to set the temperature when you are home and away.
Change Air Filters
Air filters are a vital part of your air conditioner's efficiency. By making sure they are clean and changed regularly, you can help your unit run more efficiently and use less energy.
You should change your air filters every 1-3 months. This will help keep your air conditioner running efficiently and prevent it from working harder than it needs to.
Cook Outdoors
If you have a barbeque or are a smoker, try to cook outdoors as much as possible. This will keep the heat out of your home and prevent your air conditioner from working overtime.
Use Window Shades
You can also lower your air conditioning costs by using window shades. By keeping the sun from shining in, you can keep your home cooler and prevent your air conditioner from working harder than it needs to.
Lowering your air conditioning costs doesn't have to be difficult. By making a few simple changes, you can save money on your energy bills and keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
Why are my air conditioning bills so high?
If your energy bills have been increasing, a few things could be causing this.
Dirty Filters
One of the most common reasons for high air conditioning bills is dirty filters. When air filters are clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris, they restrict airflow. This causes your air conditioner to work harder to cool your home, which uses more energy and raises your energy bills.
In addition, dirty filters can cause your air conditioner to freeze up. This can lead to expensive repairs or even the replacement of your unit.
Thermostat Settings
Another reason your air conditioning bills may be high is the thermostat settings. If your thermostat is set too low, your air conditioner will run longer to cool your home, using more energy and costing you more money.
On the other hand, your air conditioner will cycle on and off more frequently if your thermostat is set too high. This can also cause your air conditioner to use more energy and drive up your energy bills.
The best way to lower your air conditioning costs is to find a happy medium with your thermostat settings. You should set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature for you but not so low that your air conditioner is running all the time.
Leaky Ducts
Another possible cause of high air conditioning bills is leaky ducts. If your ductwork is not sealed properly, it can allow cooled air to escape and warm air to enter. This causes your air conditioner to work harder to cool your home, using more energy and driving up your energy bills.
You can tell if you have leaky ducts by checking the vents in your home. If you feel cool air coming out of the vents when your air conditioner is off, or if you see dust or debris coming out of the vents, you most likely have leaky ducts.
You will need to have your ductwork sealed by a professional to fix this problem. This relatively inexpensive repair can make a big difference in your energy bills.
Scheduling Regular Maintenance
One of the best ways to lower your air conditioning costs is to schedule regular maintenance for your unit. A technician will clean your unit during a maintenance visit, check for any problems, and make necessary repairs.
This can help keep your unit running efficiently and prevent expensive repairs down the road.
In addition, regular maintenance can help prolong your air conditioner's life. This means you won't have to replace your unit as often, saving you money in the long run.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Another common cause of high air conditioning bills is low refrigerant levels. When your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, it has to work harder to cool your home, using more energy and driving up your energy bills.
It is also important to check for refrigerant leaks. A refrigerant leak can cause your air conditioner to use more energy, but it can also damage your unit.
If you suspect that your air conditioner is low on refrigerant or has a refrigerant leak, you will need to have it checked by a professional.
Old System
If your system is more than 15 years old, it may be time to replace it. Older systems are less efficient than newer ones, so they use more energy to cool your home. This can cause your energy bills to increase.
If you bought the home with the air conditioner already installed, you should check when the last maintenance was done. If it has been more than two years, it might be good to have it serviced.
Final Thoughts
Air conditioners are a lifesaver during the hot summer months but can drain your pocketbook if they are not running efficiently. By following the tips above, you can lower your air conditioning costs and keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
Made it to the end? Here are other related articles you may like:
Air Conditioner Delayed Start – Why And How To Fix
Rheem Air Conditioner Fan Not Working – What To Do?
Should You Drain A Delonghi Portable Air Conditioner? [And How To]