As the temp goes up, so does your AC bills. To keep your AC bills down you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Marshfield?

It’s a popular belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually not true.

Keeping your air conditioner running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it down when you come home. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.

It’s far more work for your system to stay at a consistent setting throughout the day. It can also lead to a lot of stress on your system, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it could also result in a shorter life span for your air conditioner.

No matter what, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your energy bills low in the hot weather? Here are our ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away. During the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your house any quicker, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are a number of methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the AC unit.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a residence allow for conditioned air to rapidly escape and warm air to get inside. This may cause your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house comfortable and your utility bills to increase. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately 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 unit is always functioning at its most efficient. This lets our experts to identify little issues before they turn into substantial problems. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and could even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works together with your smartphone to know when you’re at home or elsewhere to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 annually on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can anticipate a properly cared for AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re often 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 carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining 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 usage and costs lower this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 715-322-0009 or contact us online today for extra details.