As the heat goes up, so does your energy expenses. To keep your air conditioning expenses low you may be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Wyandotte?

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

Keeping your air conditioning going constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you come back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.

It’s far more laborious for your system to keep a constant temp all day long. It can also cause a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it could also result in a shortened life span for your AC.

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

Six Methods to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away. Through the summer, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any quicker, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are additional methods to keep cool without having to constantly run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains closed during the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver extra insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence enable conditioned air to rapidly escape and the heat to get in. This can result in your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence cool and your energy bills to increase. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your AC is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our pros to spot little issues before they turn into significant problems. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and could even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works along with your smartphone to know when you’re home or elsewhere to enhance your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can figure a properly cared for AC 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 may be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning

No one likes to see their utility bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills low this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at 734-284-1224 or contact us online today for more details.