As the temp rises, so does your energy bills. To keep your cooling bills low you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Lawrence?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually false.
Keeping your AC on all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re elsewhere, and turning it down when you come home. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the job for you.
It’s much more laborious for your system to achieve a consistent temp for many hours. It can also result in a lot of stress on your air conditioner, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it may also lead to a shortened life expectancy for your AC unit.
Regardless, the bigger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep 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 Methods to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Change Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. In the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any quicker, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear toasty, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to always run the AC.
- Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn during the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house enable conditioned air to easily get out and warmer air to get in. This could cause your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence cool and your utility bills to climb. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are properly 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 AC is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our pros to find little issues before they turn into substantial dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and might even live for a longer period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to sense when you’re in your home or elsewhere to enhance your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 yearly on HVAC costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can expect a properly maintained AC unit to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.
Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Scott Temperature
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 use and costs down this summer, our experts can help. Reach us at 785-269-0465 or contact us online right away for extra info.