As the temp rises, so does your AC expenses. To keep your air conditioning expenses under control you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Elk River?

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

Keeping your AC going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you get back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.

It’s significantly more work for your system to stay at a constant temp all day long. It can also cause a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it may also result in a shorter life span for your AC unit.

In any case, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer season? Here are our suggestions based upon 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 says that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. In the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when 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 normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your home any faster, it just leads to bigger energy bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are a number of methods to keep comfortable without having to always run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower AC by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains shut during the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a residence allow for conditioned air to quickly get out and warmer air to get within. This may result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your utility bills to climb. Make certain that any cracks, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your air conditioner is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to spot simple issues before they result in significant dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and might even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to assure 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 in your home or elsewhere to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can anticipate a properly maintained AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

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

No one enjoys seeing their air conditioning bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills lower this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 763-276-0617 or contact us online today for additional info.