As the temp rises, so does your energy expenses. To keep your AC expenses down you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Alliance?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually false.

Keeping your AC running all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it back down when you come back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.

It’s significantly more laborious for your system to achieve a constant temp throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it may also cause a reduced life expectancy for your AC unit.

Regardless, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric bills low in the hot weather? Here are our suggestions based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away. Through the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any quicker, it just causes bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear toasty, there are a number of methods to keep cool without having to constantly run the AC unit.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut during the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home enable conditioned air to rapidly escape and warm air to get within. This can lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home cool and your AC bills to climb. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your air conditioner is always running at its most efficient. This lets our professionals to detect simple issues before they result in major problems. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and may even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works with your smartphone to see when you’re in your home or away to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can expect a properly taken care of AC unit to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, including 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 utility bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills low this summer, our professionals can help. Reach us at 308-321-4703 or contact us online now for additional information.