As the temperature increases, so does your AC costs. To keep your air conditioning costs under control you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Lincoln?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your air conditioning running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re out, and turning it down when you get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.
It’s a lot more taxing for your system to achieve a constant temp all day long. It can also cause a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it may also result in a shorter life span for your AC.
No matter what, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric bills lower in the summer season? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Modify Your Thermostat Usage. The DOE says that you can save up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out. Through the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any quicker, it just leads to more expensive electric expenses. While these temperatures may seem warm, there are a number of approaches to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the air conditioner.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% throughout the summer. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed during the day helps keep chilled air in. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings all across a house allow for cool air to easily slip out and warm air to get inside. This can cause your AC unit needing to work harder to keep your house cooler and your AC costs to climb. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Arrange Routine Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your unit is always running at its most energy efficient. This lets our experts to locate simple issues before they result in serious dilemmas. A clean AC unit is typically more efficient and can even live longer.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest ways to ensure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to sense when you’re at your house or out to enhance your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 annually on energy bills.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can anticipate an adequately cared for air conditioner to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently needing us for air conditioning repair or your utility expenses are climbing with no altering in thermostat settings, it might be time for an upgrade. We offer numerous energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.
Increase Your House’s Energy Efficiency with AW Heating & Air Conditioning
No one enjoys seeing their utility bill increase during the summer. If you’re in search of more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses down this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 402-438-7992 or contact us online now for extra details.