As the temp increases, so does your energy expenses. To keep your air conditioning bills under control you may be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Marshalltown?

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

Keeping your AC going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it back down when you come back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the job for you.

It’s far more taxing for your system to stay at a constant temperature throughout the day. It can also result in a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it can also cause a shortened life span for your AC unit.

No matter what, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your electric bills low in the summer? Here are our ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out of the house. In the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your house any sooner, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear toasty, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house let conditioned air to easily escape and warm air to get inside. This could cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence 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. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your unit is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our experts to identify small issues before they turn into significant dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works together with your smartphone to see when you’re home or gone to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 every year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can foresee a properly taken care of AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a replacement. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with B & G HVAC

No one enjoys seeing their energy bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and expenses low this summer, our experts can help. Give us a call at 641-316-3360 or contact us online right away for more details.