Your AC becomes your best friend during the hot summers of Antioch, TN. Whether leaving it running all day is more efficient than powering it off and on is an ongoing debate. As experts in AC service in Antioch, TN, we wanted to weigh in.
If your power bill has skyrocketed, it’s normal to wonder whether changing your cooling habits might help. In some situations, it makes sense to leave the AC on, but energy efficiency is never one size fits all.
Cooling Efficiency in Antioch, TN
An energy-efficient cooling system costs less to run. A few factors influence how well your unit cools your home.
1. System Age
As with most machines, your AC unit wears down over time. The older your system is, the less capable it is of cooling your home down. Homeowners should typically replace units installed more than 10 years ago, as they can be challenging to service.
2. Your Location
Here in Antioch, TN, our hot summers require more cooling power than in other states. The large temperature swings during the spring and fall can also cause your unit to work harder. This heightened demand takes a toll on your machine.
3. SEER Rating
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) measures how well your unit works at certain outdoor temperatures. Most southern states require this SEER2 rating to be either higher than 14.3 new units for split systems and above 13.4 for packaged equipment.
4. Building Quality
If your building is old and poorly insulated, your cooling system will have to work harder. Thin walls and drafts from gaps around windows and doors can cause your AC to go on overdrive while trying to keep heat and humidity out.
Homeowners should also understand that cooling a room once it’s too hot takes time. As a general rule of thumb, it is best to allow one to two hours for every desired degree of change, with variance based on the indoor humidity and heat load.
This effort strains the unit and can quickly increase your electricity bill. In poorly insulated homes where these swings are common, it’s usually more expensive to cycle the cooling on and off instead of letting it run.
When Should You Leave the AC On?
In Tennessee, it is never a good idea to completely turn your system off, especially for extended periods of time. Parthenon Plumbing, Heating, & AC Repair recommends increasing or decreasing your normal temperature setpoint no more than 5 degrees from normal if you are looking to maximize energy consumption.
Leaving your unit running can especially lower your bill if your home features any of the following:
- Your home isn’t insulated properly
- You’ll be away for three hours or longer
- The humidity is higher than normal
- You are expecting a heatwave
Just because the unit will run continuously doesn’t mean you should crank it down to the coolest possible setting. Ideally, you want the thermostat to sit within five degrees of your normal setpoint. The true key though is humidity (or moisture) control. It is possible for 78 degrees to feel like 70 degrees with the optimal humidity level present.
Keeping your system running lowers your energy consumption and bill. This is much easier to do when your unit isn’t overworked.
AC Energy Efficiency Tips
To keep your cooling as efficient as possible, you have to be diligent about AC maintenance. Homeowners should stick to a consistent seasonal schedule for tasks such as replacing air filters or cleaning the outdoor unit.
These household chores limit the dust and grime that collects in parts of your system, limiting its cooling ability. It’s also essential to invest in professional inspections at least annually. An expert AC service provider can spot and repair minor issues before they escalate into expensive repairs. Check out our Parthenon Partners membership plan that includes these essential service checks.
Other steps to improve your AC load management include investing in a programmable thermostat. These keep your home at a set optimal temperature while you’re away. They also allow you to make changes remotely from an app if you want to fine-tune the climate.
Finally, consider improving the insulation in your home. Seal cracks around doors and windows with weather stripping to keep the heat out.
Cool Off in Antioch, TN
The final verdict is that leaving your cooling system running during the hottest months is generally best. Set the unit to a moderate temperature and avoid frequent cycles to save money.
For more energy-saving tips or reliable AC repair, reach out to Parthenon Plumbing, Heating, & AC Repair in Antioch, TN. Our experienced team understands how urgent cooling issues can be, and we take pride in our quick responses. We can help diagnose and repair your unit or discuss replacement options to boost air conditioner efficiency.
Contact us today to start lowering your power bill.
