As the temperature rises, so does your air conditioning expenses. To keep your AC expenses under control you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in McHenry?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually false.
Keeping your air conditioning on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it back down when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.
It’s a lot more taxing for your system to achieve the same temperature for many hours. It can also lead to a lot of stress on your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it might also cause a shortened life expectancy for your HVAC system.
Regardless, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your air conditioning bills will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your utility bills down in the summer? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Modify Your Temperature. The DOE affirms that you can save up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out of the house. In the hotter months, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than average when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool off your residence any faster, it just causes bigger electric bills. While these temperatures could feel warm, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to always run the air conditioning.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% throughout the summer. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains drawn for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window treatments intended to deliver added insulation and boost energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps all around a home let cool air to rapidly slip out and the heat to get within. This may cause your air conditioner needing to work harder to keep your house cooler and your energy expenses to increase. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy solutions for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Arrange Annual Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your unit is always performing at its most energy efficient. This allows our pro to spot little issues before they result in serious troubles. A well-kept AC is typically more efficient and can even last for a greater period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best ways to ensure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re in your home or out to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 per year on energy expenses.
- Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can anticipate a properly taken care of AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly needing us for air conditioning repair or your AC costs are increasing with no fluctuations in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We carry a number of energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.
Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Jett's Heating & Air Inc.
No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the summer season. If you’re in search of more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills low this summer, our team can help. Reach us at 815-410-1128 or contact us online now for extra info.