With the constant rise in energy costs, many homeowners are paying much closer attention to their utility bills. Especially here in Las Vegas, NV, and the surrounding areas where the weather is so hot, people do need to use their air conditioning systems all year round. Many homeowners are desperate to lower their utility bills to save money in any way they can.
One big contributing factor to rising utility bills is running an air conditioning unit. There are a number of ways homeowners can efficiently run their AC systems and save themselves a lot of money. Many people falsely believe that by turning their AC units on and off several times a day, they will be saving themselves a lot of money.
Unfortunately, this is untrue, and using your system in this way can actually cause you to spend more money on AC repairs in the long run than you think. Below, we will pass along some incredibly useful information regarding your air conditioning unit and how to easily use it and save money at the same time
Leaving Your AC Running Is Better than Turning It Off and Back On
Surprisingly, it is better to always leave your AC unit on. It operates most efficiently by leaving it on and by changing the temperature slightly by a few degrees throughout the day. Many people believe that it is best to turn the AC off while they are not at home. With many of these people working, sometimes this could mean it is off and not running for several hours at a time.
When it is extremely hot or humid outside, completely turning the AC system off for many hours can cause the temperature of your home to become way off balance. This, in turn, will cause the AC unit to have to work a lot harder to get back up to a comfortable temperature when you turn it back on.
Fluctuating the thermostat with extreme differences in temperature can cause the system to not run at optimal levels. It makes the system work incredibly hard to try to reach that comfortable temperature level again.
Another way to cause your system to be overworked is to leave it at full blast constantly. This will cause your unit to wear out faster than it is meant to. Both of these methods of operation severely strain the AC unit, which could cause unnecessary repairs and higher utility bills.
Consider Adjusting Your Thermostat to Boost Efficiency
It is more efficient to run your AC system all day but at slightly varying degrees throughout the day. The easiest solution for operating the system in this manner is to utilize a programmable thermostat. What this does is provide you with a way to decrease the temperature while you are away and increase it to the optimal comfort level for when you return.
Changing the temperature by extremes can tax the AC unit, so it is best to only program the temperature by a few degrees up or a few degrees down. Your AC unit will now run at a pace that is more gentle on its parts and system.
When to Set Your Thermostat Lower
There are situations where you may need to run the AC unit at lower temperatures for most of the day, even when you are not home. This can be due to extreme heat waves. In these instances, if you do not run the AC on a lower temperature all day, you could possibly cause damage to household items such as furniture, artwork, or house plants.
You could even inadvertently cause harm or illness to your pets. Always use your best judgment in these situations in order to protect your valuables and your pets.
AC Maintenance Tips
There are numerous methods to utilize in order to maintain and operate your AC unit. First, use a programmable thermostat. If you do not have one currently, you should have one installed in a prime location for optimal temperature readings.
Do not make the mistake of installing it in a location that is not beneficial to operating the unit. It may be beneficial to have a professional assist you with this. Once it is installed, you should program the thermostat to raise the temperature by a few degrees while you are away and lower it a few degrees before you return.
Clean Your Air Filters
Another way to maintain your unit is to periodically clean or change the air filters. This will help the system run more smoothly and efficiently. Double-check with your HVAC technician on how to properly clean the filters for your specific unit.
Schedule Maintenance Annually
The best way to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently is by scheduling a yearly maintenance checkup on the unit. There are numerous components to an AC unit, and they can be complicated to maintain or replace. That is why AC units should be serviced by a trained professional.
Turning Your AC On and Off Costs You More
In our comprehensive review, we have discovered that it does cost you more money to turn your AC on and off. It causes the system to work much harder, which will make the components break down faster and costs you more money in repairs and utility bills. The smartest way to run your AC unit is to program it with a programmable thermostat, always keep the air filters clean, and always schedule the yearly maintenance checkup.
Call Ambient Edge for Your AC Repair and Preventative Maintenance Needs
It can be difficult to find a trusted professional for your HVAC needs. Here at Ambient Edge, we go above and beyond to provide you with the highest quality service available. Our licensed and highly trained professionals at Ambient Edge are available 24/7 for any of your HVAC needs.
Ambient Edge is the leading HVAC company in Las Vegas, NV, and surrounding communities, and we have been consistently providing our community with 5-Star quality service and preventative maintenance. We know how important your comfort is, especially when it is in your own home. If your AC unit is in need of any repairs or if you are due to schedule a yearly service, please do not hesitate to call our friendly and knowledgeable service representatives to schedule an appointment.
