As the temperature rises, so does your energy bills. To keep your AC bills under control you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Moline?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually not true.

Keeping your air conditioner running all day 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 get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.

It’s considerably more taxing for your system to keep a consistent temp all day long. It can also lead to a lot of wear and tear to your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it may also result in a shortened life span for your HVAC system.

Regardless, the larger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your energy bills low in the hot weather? Here are our tips based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away. During the summer, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. 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 down your residence any faster, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the air conditioner.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease energy by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed during the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence let conditioned air to rapidly get out and the heat to get in. This can lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house cooler and your AC bills to rise. Check that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your system is always running at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to find small issues before they result in significant problems. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and could even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to see when you’re at home or elsewhere to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can anticipate a properly taken care of air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with J.L. Brady Company LLC

No one likes to see their utility bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and expenses down this summer, our team can help. Give us a call at 309-517-7511 or contact us online today for extra information.