As the temperature rises, so does your energy bills. To keep your AC expenses controlled you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Marshalltown?
It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your air conditioner going constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it back down when you return. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the job for you.
It’s a lot more taxing for your system to keep the same temp all day long. It can also result in a lot of stress on your equipment, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it can also lead to a reduced life expectancy for your HVAC system.
Regardless, the greater the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy 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 Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Change Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out of the house. Through the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any quicker, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear toasty, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the air conditioner.
- Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains shut during the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and boost energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house allow for conditioned air to rapidly slip out and warmer air to get in. This may result in your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your house comfortable and your energy bills to increase. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Plan for Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your air conditioner is always running at its most efficient. This permits our experts to spot simple issues before they turn into substantial dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is generally more efficient and may even live for a longer period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works along with your smartphone to know when you’re at your house or gone to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on HVAC costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can anticipate a properly cared for AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it might 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 bargaining comfort.
Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Kapaun & Brown
No one likes to see their air conditioning bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and expenses down this summer, our experts can help. Reach us at 641-812-2028 or contact us online now for additional information.