As the temp rises, so does your air conditioning bills. To keep your air conditioning bills low you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Alliance?

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

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

It’s much more laborious for your system to keep the same temp all day long. It can also cause a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

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

Regardless, the bigger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your electric bills low in the summer? Here are our ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out of the house. Through the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than average when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any faster, it just causes bigger electric bills. While these temperatures could appear toasty, there are a number of methods to keep cool without having to always run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds low and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver extra insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house allow for conditioned air to easily escape and warmer air to get within. This could result in your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your house comfortable and your energy bills to rise. Make certain 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.
  4. Schedule Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your AC is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to find simple issues before they become significant dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and could even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to know when you’re in your home or out to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 every year on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can figure a properly taken care of AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Increase Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces

No one likes to see their energy bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills low this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 308-762-1613 or contact us online right away for more information.