As the temperature increases, so does your air conditioning bills. To keep your AC costs controlled you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Crystal and Twin Cities?
It’s a popular belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your AC running all the time 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 achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.
It’s much more laborious for your system to achieve a consistent temperature for many hours. It can also lead to a lot of stress on your equipment, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it might also result in a shorter life expectancy for your HVAC system.
Regardless, the greater the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your air conditioning bills will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your utility bills lower 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
- Change Your Thermostat Usage. The DOE states that you can save up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away. During the summer months, it’s recommended 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 colder setting than average when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any quicker, it just leads to bigger energy costs. While these temperatures might feel toasty, there are additional methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
- Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% throughout the summer season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep chilled air indoors. There are also some window coverings made to deliver additional insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings all around a house allow for cool air to quickly escape and the heat to get inside. This can lead to your AC unit needing to work harder to keep your home cooler and your AC costs to increase. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple solutions for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Schedule Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your air conditioner is always functioning at its most energy efficient. This allows our professionals to spot little issues before they become substantial troubles. A maintained AC unit is typically more efficient and might even last longer.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest approaches to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works along with your smartphone to know when you’re home or out to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 every year on heating and cooling bills.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can foresee a properly cared for AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy costs are climbing with no fluctuations in thermostat settings, it might be time for an upgrade. We offer numerous energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.
Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with GV Heating & Air
No one likes to see their utility bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills down this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at 763-535-2000 or contact us online now for more details.