As the temp increases, so does your AC expenses. To keep your air conditioning expenses low you could be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Moline?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually a misconception.

Keeping your air conditioner on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and turning it back down when you come back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.

It’s a lot more laborious for your system to achieve a constant setting all day long. It can also cause a lot of strain on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it might also lead to a shorter life expectancy for your AC unit.

No matter what, the greater the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your electric bills low in the hot weather? Here are our suggestions based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. In the summer, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any quicker, it just leads to bigger energy bills. While these temperatures may appear toasty, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower AC by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds lowered and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a residence let conditioned air to easily get out and warmer air to get inside. This may result in your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your home cool and your energy bills to rise. Make certain 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 makes sure your air conditioner is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our pros to identify little issues before they become substantial dilemmas. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and might 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 everyday schedule. It works along with your smartphone to sense when you’re at home or away to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 every year on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can foresee a properly maintained AC unit to run 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 may be time for a new system. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with J.L. Brady Company LLC

No one likes to see their energy bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills down this summer, our experts can help. Reach us at 309-517-7511 or contact us online today for extra info.