As the heat rises, so does your energy expenses. To keep your AC bills controlled you might be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Alliance?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually not true.
Keeping your air conditioner running all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re elsewhere, and turning it back down when you come back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.
It’s significantly more work for your system to achieve the same setting throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it might also lead to a shortened life expectancy for your AC unit.
Regardless, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your air conditioning bills will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric bills lower in the summer? Here are our ideas based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Ways to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Change Your Thermostat Usage. The DOE says that you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. During the warmer months, it’s advised to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your residence any quicker, it just results in higher electric bills. While these temperatures could seem warm, there are many approaches to keep comfortable without having to always run the air conditioning.
- Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Also, keeping blinds low and curtains shut during the day helps keep cool air in. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence let cooler air to rapidly slip out and the heat to get inside. This could result in your AC unit having to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your utility costs to skyrocket. Check that any openings, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick mends for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
- Plan for Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your equipment is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our pro to spot small issues before they result in substantial dilemmas. A clean AC unit is usually more efficient and can even run for a greater period of time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically alters the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to sense when you’re home or out to optimize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 annually on HVAC bills.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can expect a sufficiently cared for AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often needing us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are increasing with no fluctuations in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We carry a number of energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.
Increase Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces
No one likes to see their air conditioning bill increase during the warmer months. If you’re in search of more ways to keep your energy consumption and expenses lower this summer, our professionals can help. Give us a call at 308-321-4703 or contact us online right away for extra info.