As the temp goes up, so does your AC costs. To keep your air conditioning costs under control you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in South Beloit and Belvidere?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually false.

Keeping your air conditioner going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it down when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.

It’s considerably more laborious for your system to stay at a constant setting throughout the day. It can also result in a lot of stress on your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also result in a shorter life span for your air conditioner.

No matter what, the greater the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your electric bills low in the summer season? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. During the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any quicker, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are many methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the AC.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a residence allow for conditioned air to quickly get out and warmer air to get within. This could lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house comfortable and your energy bills to rise. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your unit is always running at its most efficient. This allows our experts to find little issues before they turn into significant dilemmas. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and may even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to know when you’re at home or gone to optimize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can figure a properly taken care of AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills lower this summer, our professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 877-389-2465 or contact us online now for additional details.