As the temperature increases, so does your energy expenses. To keep your air conditioning bills low you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Wausau?

It’s a popular belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your air conditioning going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it back down when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the job for you.

It’s much more work for your system to keep a consistent setting throughout the day. It can also cause 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 might also cause a shortened life span for your AC unit.

In any case, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility bills low in the hot weather? Here are our tips based off of 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 says that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out of the house. During the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s also important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than average when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any quicker, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to consistently run the AC unit.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can decrease energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a home permit conditioned air to rapidly get out and warm air to get within. This could lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your AC bills to rise. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your AC is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to detect small issues before they turn into serious dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and could even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re in your home or away to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can foresee a properly taken care of AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Gilray Heating and Cooling

No one enjoys seeing their energy bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills down this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at 715-301-0727 or contact us online now for additional info.