As the temp rises, so does your energy costs. To keep your air conditioning costs low you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Crystal and Twin Cities?

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

Keeping your AC running all day 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 accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.

It’s far more work for your system to keep the same temp all day long. It can also result in a lot of stress on your air conditioner, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

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

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

Six Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. During the summer, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your home any quicker, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear toasty, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the AC.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains closed during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a residence enable conditioned air to quickly get out and warm air to get inside. This could cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your home cool and your energy bills to skyrocket. Check that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your equipment is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our experts to locate small issues before they become major troubles. A maintained air conditioner is usually 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 cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to sense when you’re at home or away to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can figure a properly cared for air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with GV Heating & Air

No one wants to see their energy bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills lower this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 763-535-2000 or contact us online today for extra details.