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

It’s a popular belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually not true.

Keeping your AC going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it down when you come back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.

It’s far more laborious for your system to keep the same temperature all day long. It can also cause a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it may also lead to a shorter life expectancy for your AC.

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

Six Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. Through the summer, it’s suggested to keep 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 cooler setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your residence any faster, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear high, there are additional methods to keep cooler without having to consistently run the AC unit.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence permit conditioned air to rapidly escape and warmer air to get in. This may result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your utility bills to increase. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your AC is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to identify small issues before they become substantial troubles. A maintained air conditioner is usually more efficient and could even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to ensure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works along with your smartphone to know when you’re at home or out to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can foresee a properly maintained AC to run 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 might be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

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

No one wants to see their air conditioning bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills down this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 847-306-8990 or contact us online now for more information.