As the heat increases, so does your energy bills. To keep your air conditioning costs down you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Plover?

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

Keeping your air conditioning running all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it back down when you come home. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the job for you.

It’s considerably more work for your system to stay at a constant temp throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it could also cause a reduced life expectancy for your AC.

No matter what, 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 warm weather? Here are our tips 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. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out of the house. Through the summer, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any sooner, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the air conditioning.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. 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. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains shut during the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home allow for conditioned air to quickly escape and the heat to get within. This may lead to your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your home cooler and your energy bills to increase. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Arrange 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 significant problems. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works along with your smartphone to see when you’re at home or elsewhere to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can anticipate a properly cared for AC unit to live 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 could be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Point Heating & Cooling

No one likes to see their air conditioning bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills low this summer, our professionals can help. Give us a call at 715-504-0533 or contact us online right away for extra info.