As the temp rises, so does your energy bills. To keep your cooling costs low you could be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Marshfield?

It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a myth.

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

It’s significantly more work for your system to stay at a consistent setting for many hours. It can also cause a lot of strain on your system, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it could also lead to a shorter life span for your HVAC system.

No matter what, 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 stay cool and keep your electric bills low in the hot weather? Here are our ideas based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out. During the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your residence any sooner, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear toasty, there are a number of methods to keep comfortable without having to always run the AC unit.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. 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. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver extra insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house let conditioned air to quickly get out and the heat to get within. This could lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your AC bills to rise. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your equipment is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our experts to locate small issues before they turn into serious dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is generally more efficient and can even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to ensure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re at your house or out to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually 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 often 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 offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Improve Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with House of Heating Incorporated

No one enjoys seeing their utility bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and costs down this summer, our team can help. Reach us at 715-384-3163 or contact us online today for extra information.