As the temperature goes up, so does your energy costs. To keep your cooling costs low you could be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Rockford?
It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually not true.
Keeping your air conditioner going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it 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 consistent temperature for many hours. It can also lead to a lot of wear and tear to your air conditioner, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it may also lead to a reduced life cycle for your AC unit.
No matter what, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your electric bills low in the summer? Here are our suggestions based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Methods to Increase 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 while you’re out of the house. In the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s also important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any sooner, it just leads to bigger energy bills. While these temperatures may appear toasty, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to always run the AC unit.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and boost energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a residence allow for conditioned air to rapidly get out and warmer air to get inside. This can lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your utility bills to rise. Make sure 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.
- Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your unit is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to identify small issues before they turn into substantial dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even live for a longer period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to ensure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to know when you’re at home or out to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 per year on heating and cooling costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can figure a properly cared for AC unit to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We supply 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 Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling
No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses down this summer, our experts can help. Give us a call at (815) 914-6197 or contact us online now for more information.