As the temperature goes up, so does your energy costs. To keep your cooling bills low you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Greensburg?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually not true.

Keeping your AC going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you come back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.

It’s far more work for your system to stay at a consistent temp all day long. It can also result in a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it could also cause a shorter life expectancy for your AC.

Regardless, the bigger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify 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 advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your home any quicker, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear toasty, there are additional methods to keep cool without having to constantly run the air conditioner.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower AC 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 save energy. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence let conditioned air to quickly get out and warmer air to get inside. This may result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home cool and your utility bills to climb. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your air conditioner is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our pros to locate small issues before they become major troubles. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even last for a longer period of time.
  5. 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 everyday schedule. It works along with your smartphone to know when you’re home or elsewhere to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can anticipate a properly taken care of AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it might 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.

Improve Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Wallpe Heating & Cooling

No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and costs lower this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 812-663-7252 or contact us online now for extra details.