As the temp increases, so does your AC bills. To keep your air conditioning costs controlled you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Ellsworth?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your air conditioning on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it back down when you come home. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the work for you.

It’s significantly more work for your system to keep the same temp for many hours. It can also lead to a lot of stress on your air conditioner, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it may also cause a reduced life span for your HVAC system.

Regardless, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer season? Here are our tips based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. During the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any quicker, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the AC unit.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can decrease air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a residence enable conditioned air to quickly slip out and the heat to get within. This could cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your AC bills to skyrocket. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your unit is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our experts to detect little issues before they turn into major problems. A well-kept air conditioner is generally more efficient and can even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in 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 your house or out to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can figure a properly maintained AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC

No one wants to see their utility bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and costs down this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at 715-318-6728 or contact us online now for extra information.