As the temp increases, so does your AC bills. To keep your AC bills low you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Marshfield?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually false.
Keeping your air conditioning running all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the job for you.
It’s far more work for your system to stay at a constant temperature all day long. It can also cause a lot of wear and tear to your air conditioner, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it may also result in a shorter life cycle for your HVAC system.
Regardless, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your electric bills low in the hot weather? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Approaches to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. Through the summer, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool down your residence any sooner, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are a number of methods to keep comfortable without having to always run the air conditioning.
- Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Also, keeping blinds low and curtains shut during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver added insulation and increase energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home permit conditioned air to easily escape and the heat to get inside. This may cause your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house cool and your energy bills to increase. Check that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your AC is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our pros to detect small issues before they result in major troubles. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even last for a longer period of time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to ensure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re at your house or gone to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 every year on heating and cooling costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can foresee a properly cared for AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a new system. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with House of Heating Incorporated
No one enjoys seeing their air conditioning bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs low this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at 715-384-3163 or contact us online right away for more information.