As the temp rises, so does your energy expenses. To keep your AC bills under control you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Dundas and Northfield?
It’s a popular belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually a misconception.
Keeping your air conditioner going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it down when you return. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.
It’s considerably more laborious for your system to achieve the same temperature throughout the day. It can also result in a lot of strain on your system, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it might also lead to a shorter life span for your air conditioner.
Regardless, the greater the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer season? Here are our suggestions based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Approaches to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away. In the summer, it’s advised to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any quicker, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are a number of methods to keep cool without having to always run the air conditioning.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a home let conditioned air to rapidly slip out and the heat to get in. This may cause your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house cool and your energy bills to climb. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your AC is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our pros to detect simple issues before they result in major problems. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even run for a longer period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works along with your smartphone to notice when you’re at home or elsewhere to optimize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on heating and cooling costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect a properly cared for AC unit to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.
Increase Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Better Air
No one wants to see their air conditioning bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills low this summer, our team can help. Reach us at 507-663-1208 or contact us online now for more information.