As the temperature rises, so does your energy bills. To keep your air conditioning costs under control you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Elk River?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a misconception.

Keeping your air conditioning on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re out, and lowering it when you come back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.

It’s a lot more laborious for your system to stay at a consistent temperature all day long. It can also result in a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it might also cause a shortened life span for your AC unit.

In any case, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater 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 tips based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away at work. Through the summer, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s also important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any faster, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are a number of methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds down and curtains closed during the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence allow for conditioned air to quickly escape and the heat to get inside. This could lead to your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your house cooler and your energy bills to climb. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your air conditioner is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our pros to locate simple issues before they result in serious problems. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to see when you’re at your house or away to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on HVAC 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 utility bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a new system. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

Enhance Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Home Comfort Heating & Air

No one likes to see their utility bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and costs low this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 763-276-0617 or contact us online now for additional information.