As the temperature increases, so does your energy costs. To keep your cooling bills low you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Moline?
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 AC going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and lowering it when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.
It’s far more taxing for your system to keep the same setting for many hours. It can also cause a lot of stress on your equipment, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it can also result in a shorter life span for your air conditioner.
Regardless, the greater the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your utility bills lower in the warm weather? Here are our ideas based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Methods to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Modify 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 when you’re out of the house. Through the warmer months, it’s recommended to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool down your residence any quicker, it just leads to more expensive energy costs. While these temperatures could seem warm, there are a number of methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can decrease energy by up to 14% throughout the warm months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds low and curtains shut during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver additional insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks all across a house enable conditioned air to rapidly slip out and warm air to get in. This can result in your AC unit having to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your utility bills to climb. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick mends for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Schedule Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your air conditioner is always functioning at its most energy efficient. This lets our experts to spot little issues before they become substantial troubles. A clean AC unit is generally more efficient and could even last longer.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest ways to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively changes the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to notice when you’re at your house or gone to enhance your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on HVAC costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can figure a properly cared for air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC costs are increasing with no fluctuations in thermostat settings, it may be time for a new system. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.
Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with J.L. Brady Company LLC
No one wants to see their energy bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses down this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 309-517-7511 or contact us online now for extra info.