As the temp rises, so does your energy bills. To keep your air conditioning expenses low you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Wausau?
It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a misconception.
Keeping your AC going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it back down when you come back. You can accomplish 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 setting all day long. It can also result in a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it could also result in a reduced life cycle for your AC unit.
No matter what, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Ways to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. During 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 equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any quicker, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to always run the AC unit.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house let conditioned air to easily slip out and warmer air to get within. This can lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your energy bills to rise. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your AC is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to identify simple issues before they turn into major dilemmas. A maintained air conditioner is generally more efficient and might even last for a longer period of time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re home or away to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on energy costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect a properly taken care of AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.
Enhance Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Gilray Heating and Cooling
No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses lower this summer, our team can help. Get in touch with us at 715-301-0727 or contact us online right away for more information.