As the heat goes up, 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 Genoa?

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 the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it down when you get back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.

It’s a lot more taxing for your system to stay at a constant setting throughout the day. It can also lead to a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it could also result in a shortened life span for your air conditioner.

In any case, the larger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer? Here are our suggestions based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. During the summer, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s additionally important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your residence any sooner, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear toasty, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the AC.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home enable conditioned air to rapidly slip out and the heat to get within. This may lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your utility bills to rise. Make sure that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your AC is always running at its most efficient. This lets our experts to locate small issues before they result in major problems. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re at home or away to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 yearly on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can foresee a properly cared for air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a new system. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Assured Appliance & Heating & Air

No one wants to see their energy bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills low this summer, our team can help. Reach us at 847-306-8990 or contact us online today for more details.