Here are some ways you can save money on your electric bill.
In general, it is cheaper to leave the AC on all day during very hot temperatures. ... However, turning off the AC during a heat wave can quickly introduce a lot of heat and humidity into your home. After even just a couple of hours, your AC will have to work hard to lower the temperature back to a comfortable level.
Air conditioning systems operate most efficiently at full speed during longer periods of time. So kicking it on a lower temperature when you get home will save you more money than the AC cycling on and off while you're away.
You can save 10 percent a year on your air conditioning bills by setting your thermostat just 10 to 15 degrees higher for eight hours each day, according to the Energy Office. The US Department of Energy recommends aiming for an indoor temperature of 78 degrees F when you're not at home.
Here are six tips you can follow:
If you leave your air conditioner off during the day, indoor temperatures will continually rise while you're gone. By the time you get back, temperatures will be so high that your air conditioner will consume more energy cooling down your home than it would if you left your system on all day.
A properly sized system should run non stop for 24 hours on the hottest day of the year. Well it should run the entire time that the peak load is occuring . This may be for 8 hours or so but will not be for 24 hours. Mine runs anywhere for 1 hr to 8 hours on an insanely hot day.
For example, a 900-watt air conditioner running for eight hours would consume 7.2 kWh (900 watts * 8 hours, divided by 1000). If you pay 22.8 cents per kWh, running such an air conditioner will add about $1.64 per night to your power bill, plus taxes and fees.
Keeping your fan on AUTO is the most energy-efficient option. The fan only runs when the system is on and not continuously. ... If your fan runs continuously, moisture does not have a chance to drip outside. It blows back into your home and your AC works hard to remove extra moisture from the air.
Well, because it's hotter outside, it's normal for a central air conditioner to run without cycling on and off as often. Also, running with fewer cycles (turning on and off) is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, running longer can be positive because it: Helps dehumidify your home (a big plus in Florida)
Best temperature to set your thermostat in summer
Once you have the right size air conditioner, there's still an ideal temperature range to consider. It's best to not set your thermostat lower than 70 to 72 degrees. Most units are not designed to cool a house below that point, and you risk the system freezing up.
They recommend that when it's 90 degrees outside, you should try setting your air conditioning thermostat at 80 degrees or higher. And when it's 95 to 100 degrees outside (and higher), you should set your thermostat at 85 degrees or higher.
What's The Best Temperature To Set Your Thermostat: Summer
Typically, our bodies are most comfortable when the air inside our home is 74-76 degrees. So, a safe setting is 75 degrees. ... But, be careful not to set your thermostat too high, as your unit will struggle to return to your comfort level.
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