As the heat goes up, so does your energy expenses. To keep your cooling expenses down you might be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Warrenton?

It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your air conditioning on all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it back down when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.

It’s considerably more laborious for your system to achieve a consistent temperature all day long. It can also result in a lot of strain on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it may also cause a reduced life expectancy for your AC unit.

In any case, the bigger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric bills low in the warm weather? Here are our ideas based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. In the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any quicker, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are a number of methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the AC unit.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by just 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn during the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a residence allow for conditioned air to rapidly escape and warmer air to get inside. This may lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence cool and your AC bills to rise. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your air conditioner is always running at its most efficient. This permits our experts to find simple issues before they become substantial troubles. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and may even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re at your house or elsewhere to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect a properly maintained AC unit to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning

No one likes to see their air conditioning bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses down this summer, our professionals can help. Reach us at 636-456-5041 or contact us online right away for extra information.