As the temperature goes up, so does your AC costs. To keep your AC expenses controlled you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Pella?
It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually false.
Keeping your air conditioner running all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it back down when you come home. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the job for you.
It’s far more work for your system to stay at a constant setting throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it might also result in a shortened life expectancy for your AC.
Regardless, the greater the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your energy bills will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your utility bills lower in the hot weather? Here are our tips based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Methods to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Tweak Your Thermostat Usage. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away. During the warmer months, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your house any sooner, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear high, there are many ways to keep cooler without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% during the course of the warm months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn during the day helps keep chilled air indoors. There are also some window coverings meant to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings all across a house allow for cool air to easily slip out and warm air to get inside. This may result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house comfortable and your energy costs to increase. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick solutions for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Schedule Annual Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your equipment is always running at its best. This permits our experts to spot small issues before they turn into significant dilemmas. A clean AC is generally more efficient and might even live for a longer period of time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re at home or out to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 annually on HVAC bills.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can anticipate a sufficiently cared for AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently contacting us for air conditioning repair or your energy costs are rising with no shifts in thermostat settings, it might be time for an upgrade. We offer a number of energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.
Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating
No one likes to see their utility bill rise during the summer. If you’re in search of more ways to keep your energy usage and costs down this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 641-628-3621 or contact us online right away for more information.