As the heat goes up, so does your AC expenses. To keep your AC costs controlled you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Huntingburg?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually not true.
Keeping your air conditioning on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it down when you get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.
It’s considerably 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 air conditioner, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it can also cause a reduced life span for your air conditioner.
Regardless, the greater the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer? Here are our suggestions based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- 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 during the time you’re away. Through the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any sooner, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the AC.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains drawn for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a house let conditioned air to quickly get out and the heat to get inside. This could result in your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills to skyrocket. Check that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Schedule Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your AC is always running at its most efficient. This lets our pros to spot small issues before they turn into serious problems. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and may even run for a longer period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works together with your smartphone to sense when you’re at your house or elsewhere to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on energy costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can foresee a properly taken care of air conditioner to run 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 could be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.
Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Dearing's Service & Solutions
No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills lower this summer, our professionals can help. Reach us at 812-200-5844 or contact us online today for extra info.