As the temp increases, so does your air conditioning bills. To keep your AC expenses controlled you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Plover?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your air conditioning going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it down when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.

It’s considerably more work for your system to keep a constant temperature throughout the day. It can also lead to a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it can also result in a reduced life cycle for your HVAC system.

In any case, the bigger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC 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 Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out of the house. Through the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool off your residence any sooner, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are a number of methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the air conditioning.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up 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. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a home enable conditioned air to rapidly get out and warm air to get in. This can result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home cool and your AC bills to rise. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your equipment is always running at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to spot small issues before they result in serious dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to know when you’re in your home or out to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 annually on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can foresee a properly cared for air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly 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 supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

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

No one likes to see their energy bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses lower this summer, our experts can help. Reach us at 715-504-0533 or contact us online right away for extra info.