As the temp increases, so does your energy bills. To keep your AC bills under control you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Marshalltown?
It’s a common belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your air conditioning on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you get back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the job for you.
It’s considerably more taxing for your system to achieve the same temp for many hours. It can also lead to a lot of strain on your system, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it can also lead to a shorter life span for your AC.
No matter what, the bigger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your air conditioning costs will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility bills lower in the summer season? Here are our suggestions based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Approaches to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Change Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out of the house. During 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 equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your residence any faster, it just results in higher energy expenses. While these temperatures could seem warm, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% throughout the cooling season. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep cooler air in. There are also some window coverings made to deliver added insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings all across a house enable conditioned air to quickly get out and warmer air to get in. This can cause your air conditioner needing to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your utility costs to rise. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy mends for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your AC is always running at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to detect simple issues before they result in serious troubles. A well-kept air conditioner is generally more efficient and can even run for a longer period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to ensure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adapts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works along with your smartphone to sense when you’re at your house or away to enhance your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on energy costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can anticipate a sufficiently maintained AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often needing us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are climbing with no altering in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We carry a number of energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.
Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with B & G HVAC
No one likes to see their air conditioning bill increase during the warmer months. If you’re in search of more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses low this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 641-316-3360 or contact us online now for extra information.