As the temp rises, so does your air conditioning expenses. To keep your AC bills controlled you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Ellsworth?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a misconception.

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

It’s far more taxing for your system to keep a constant temp for many hours. It can also result in a lot of stress on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

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

In any case, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric bills low in the summer season? Here are our suggestions based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out of the house. Through the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any sooner, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to always run the air conditioning.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a residence permit conditioned air to rapidly get out and the heat to get inside. This could lead to your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your home cool and your energy bills to skyrocket. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your air conditioner is always running at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to detect simple issues before they become major troubles. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and could even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works with your smartphone to see when you’re in your home or away to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can foresee a properly taken care of air conditioner to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC

No one wants to see their energy bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs down this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 715-318-6728 or contact us online right away for additional details.