As the temperature rises, so does your air conditioning expenses. To keep your cooling costs low you may be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Elk River?

It’s a popular belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a misconception.

Keeping your air conditioning going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and lowering it when you get back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.

It’s much more taxing for your system to keep 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 utility bills, it can also result in a shortened life span for your AC.

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

Six Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out of the house. During 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 equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any sooner, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear high, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the AC.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn during the day helps keep conditioned 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 residence permit conditioned air to easily get out and warmer air to get in. This can lead to your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your home cooler and your energy bills to climb. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your equipment is always running at its most efficient. This permits our pros to locate little issues before they result in major troubles. A clean air conditioner is usually more efficient and might even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works along with your smartphone to notice when you’re home or away to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 annually on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can anticipate a properly maintained AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Home Comfort Heating & Air

No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and expenses down this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 763-276-0617 or contact us online today for extra info.