As the heat increases, so does your energy expenses. To keep your air conditioning expenses under control you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Lincoln?

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

Keeping your air conditioner running all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you come home. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the work for you.

It’s a lot more taxing for your system to achieve the same temperature throughout the day. It can also result in a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also cause a shorter life expectancy for your AC unit.

Regardless, the greater the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility bills low in the summer? Here are our tips based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust 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 while you’re out. During the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s additionally important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a colder setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any sooner, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the air conditioner.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence enable conditioned air to rapidly escape and warm air to get within. This may lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your AC bills to skyrocket. Check that any openings, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your system is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our experts to find little issues before they become substantial problems. A well-kept air conditioner is generally more efficient and could even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works together with your smartphone to sense when you’re in your home or out to enhance your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can anticipate a properly cared for AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a new system. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with AW Heating & Air Conditioning

No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and costs down this summer, our professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 402-438-7992 or contact us online today for more info.