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

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

Keeping your air conditioner on all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it back down when you return. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the work for you.

It’s much more work for your system to stay at a constant temperature 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 energy bills, it can also lead to a reduced life expectancy for your AC.

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

Six Approaches to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. In the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any sooner, 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 air conditioning.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver added insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a house allow for conditioned air to rapidly get out and the heat to get within. This could lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home cooler and your energy bills to skyrocket. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your system is always running at its most efficient. This allows our pros to detect little issues before they result in substantial dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and may even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works with your smartphone to know when you’re at your house or elsewhere to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can figure a properly taken care of air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We supply many 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 Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning

No one enjoys seeing their energy bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses lower this summer, our team can help. Give us a call at 519-296-4437 or contact us online now for more info.