As the temperature increases, so does your energy bills. To keep your air conditioning costs down you may be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Wausau?
It’s a popular belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a misconception.
Keeping your air conditioner on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it back down when you come home. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.
It’s a lot more taxing for your system to keep the same temperature all day long. It can also result in a lot of strain on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it may also result in a shorter life expectancy for your air conditioner.
No matter what, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric bills low in the hot weather? Here are our suggestions based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Tweak Your Thermostat Usage. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. Through the hotter months, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your residence any sooner, it just leads to more expensive energy costs. While these temperatures could appear high, there are a number of approaches to keep cool without having to consistently run the air conditioning.
- Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower AC by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds lowered and curtains drawn during the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window coverings meant to deliver added insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings around a residence let cool air to easily slip out and warmer air to get inside. This can result in your air conditioner being required to work harder to keep your house cool and your utility expenses to skyrocket. Check that any openings, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple mends for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Arrange Annual Tune-Ups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your air conditioner is always functioning at its best. This lets our experts to find simple issues before they become serious troubles. A well-kept AC is usually 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 intuitively adapts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to know when you’re at home or away to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can anticipate a properly taken care of AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often needing us for air conditioning repair or your energy expenses are rising with no altering in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We supply numerous energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.
Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Gilray Heating and Cooling
No one likes to see their air conditioning bill increase during the summer season. If you’re seeking more ways to keep your energy use and costs lower this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 715-301-0727 or contact us online right away for additional info.