As the temperature rises, so does your energy costs. To keep your cooling expenses controlled you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Carpentersville?
It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a misconception.
Keeping your air conditioning running all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re out, and turning it down when you return. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.
It’s a lot more work for your system to keep a constant temp throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of strain on your system, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it may also cause a shorter life span 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 remain cool and keep your utility bills low in the warm 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
- Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. During the summer, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s additionally important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your house any quicker, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the AC.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home enable conditioned air to quickly escape and the heat to get in. This can lead to your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your house cool and your utility bills to rise. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Schedule Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your equipment is always running at its most efficient. This lets our experts to spot small issues before they turn into significant dilemmas. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even run for a longer period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re in your home or gone to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect a properly taken care of air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.
Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Controlled Comfort HVAC
No one likes to see their air conditioning bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills low this summer, our professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 224-412-8308 or contact us online now for extra information.
