As the temp increases, so does your AC expenses. To keep your AC expenses down you may be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Sandpoint?

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

Keeping your AC going constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and lowering it when you come home. You can achieve 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 a constant setting all day long. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it may also result in a reduced life expectancy for your HVAC system.

No matter what, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer? Here are our suggestions 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. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away at work. In the summer, it’s recommended to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time 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 normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any quicker, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear toasty, there are many methods to keep cool without having to constantly run the air conditioning.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease 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 head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn during the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver added insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home allow for conditioned air to quickly slip out and warm air to get in. This may cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your energy bills to rise. Check that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your air conditioner is always performing at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to spot small issues before they result in serious problems. A maintained air conditioner is usually more efficient and could even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to sense when you’re home or away to enhance your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 annually on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can anticipate a properly taken care of AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

Enhance Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Age Heating & Cooling

No one enjoys seeing their utility bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses lower this summer, our team can help. Give us a call at 208-603-2210 or contact us online now for more information.