As the temp rises, so does your AC costs. To keep your cooling expenses down you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Pella?

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 misconception.

Keeping your AC going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it down when you come home. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.

It’s a lot more work for your system to keep a constant temperature all day long. 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 could also cause a shortened life span for your HVAC system.

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

Six Ways to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out of the house. During the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s additionally important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your house any faster, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures may appear toasty, there are a number of methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver extra insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house enable conditioned air to quickly slip out and warmer air to get inside. This can lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your utility bills to increase. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your unit is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our pros to spot simple issues before they become serious troubles. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and might even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to 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 regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to know when you’re in your home or elsewhere to enhance your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 annually on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can foresee a properly maintained AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. 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 Home’s Energy Efficiency with Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating

No one likes to see their utility bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and costs down this summer, our team can help. Reach us at 641-628-3621 or contact us online right away for extra info.