As the temperature increases, so does your AC bills. To keep your AC bills low you may 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 AC unit on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a misconception.

Keeping your air conditioning running all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and lowering it when you come back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the work for you.

It’s significantly more laborious for your system to achieve a constant setting throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of wear and tear to your equipment, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it can also result in a shortened life expectancy for your AC unit.

No matter what, the bigger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric bills low in the summer season? Here are our tips 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. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away. In the summer, it’s advised to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any quicker, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are a number of methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the AC.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs 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 leave the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house permit conditioned air to easily escape and warmer air to get within. This could lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your house comfortable and your AC bills to skyrocket. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your AC is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to spot simple issues before they become substantial dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and may even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to see when you’re at your house or away to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 yearly on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can anticipate a properly taken care of air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a new system. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating

No one wants to see their energy bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills lower this summer, our professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 641-628-3621 or contact us online right away for additional info.