Summer is the time of year when we want to spend our money on vacations, barbecues, and water parks. Using your AC thermostat correctly could give you extra cash for those fun things!
1. Leaving your AC thermostat on the same setting
Many homeowners set their AC thermostats to one setting and forget about it. But some studies have shown that doing this can actually waste money. To help counter this, change your settings when you’re going to be gone for more than 8 hours. If it’s hot enough to warrant using the air conditioner in Florida, raise the temperature somewhere between 5°F and 8°F before you leave and set it back when you get home. If you can’t remember to change it each morning, consider installing a programmable thermostat or even a smart AC thermostat that you can program over Wi-Fi.
2. Turning down your A/C to make it “cool faster”
Some homeowners think they can set their thermostat a few degrees lower than they actually want to help the AC work faster to cool their homes. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. AC units only work at one speed—therefore by using this “trick,” homeowners are just making their unit work longer to reach the low setting and raising their energy bills. Instead, simply set your thermostat to your desired temperature. If you think that it is taking too long to cool down your home, call the professionals at American Air Cares to schedule a visit.
3. Using the WRONG fan setting
Did you know that there’s a right way and a wrong way to set your fan? Keeping your fan on the “ON” setting is the wrong way as it simply makes your fan run constantly, regardless of the temperature of the room. Setting your fan on “AUTO” is the RIGHT way because the blower turns off when the room reaches the desired temperature, ultimately saving you money.
If you are considering installing a programmable or smart thermostat, call American Air Cares to discuss the best options for your particular system and needs. Our state-certified, licensed, and insured air conditioning and heating specialists are here to help you stay comfortable without breaking the bank.
