So many homeowners in Williamsburg, VA will shut off their air conditioners when they leave their homes during the day to save a few bucks. They figure that there’s no sense running the AC all day if nobody is home. But is this really cost-effective?
Why Shutting Off Your AC May Increase Your Electric Bill
When you turn your air conditioner off during the day, your home’s temperature increases dramatically. By the time you come home from work, the temperature inside your home will be almost as high as the temperature outside. So, when you turn your AC back on, it’s going to have to work non-stop for several hours to cool off the whole house again.
The trick to saving money is to use your air conditioner as efficiently as possible. But running your AC during the hottest hours of the day is the least efficient way to cool your home. Over the long run, you could actually end up using more electricity than you would have if you had just left the AC on all day.
Here’s What to Do Instead
To reduce cooling costs while you’re away from home, just raise your thermostat by seven to 10 degrees until you return. That way the home won’t be too hot when you come home. And the AC won’t have to run as long to bring the temperature back down.
To make this whole process easier, you can install a smart thermostat in your home. Smart thermostats can automatically lower the temperature while your family is home and raise the temperature accordingly when everyone is away.
Other Ways to Lower Cooling Costs
- Raise the thermostat 2-4 degrees at night when everyone is asleep
- Use a nearby fan to feel even more comfortable
- Fully close windows, drapes, and blinds to block the heat
- Properly maintain your HVAC system to improve efficiency and reduce wear
Follow these tips and use your thermostat strategically to save money on cooling costs. And if you need to schedule a tune-up for your Williamsburg, VA home’s air conditioning system, contact us at Comfortable Climate Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today.
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