As the heat increases, so does your energy costs. To keep your air conditioning costs controlled you could be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Wyandotte?

It’s a popular belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a misconception.

Keeping your air conditioner going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it down when you get back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.

It’s considerably more laborious for your system to stay at a constant setting throughout the day. It can also result in a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

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

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

Six Approaches to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. During the summer, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your home any quicker, it just leads to bigger energy bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are many methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the AC.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower AC by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn during the day helps keep cool 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 house allow for conditioned air to easily escape and warmer air to get in. This could result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house cooler and your energy bills to skyrocket. Check that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your equipment is always functioning at its most efficient. This lets our pros to spot simple issues before they become major dilemmas. A maintained air conditioner is usually more efficient and may even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works along with your smartphone to see when you’re home or gone to optimize 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 AC. You can expect a properly maintained AC unit to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning

No one likes to see their energy bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses lower this summer, our professionals can help. Reach us at 734-284-1224 or contact us online now for extra details.