As the temperature rises, so does your air conditioning bills. To keep your air conditioning bills under control you could be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Sandpoint?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a misconception.

Keeping your AC going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it back down when you come back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the job for you.

It’s far more laborious for your system to keep a constant temp for many hours. It can also cause a lot of stress on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it can also lead to a shortened life span for your air conditioner.

In any case, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your utility bills low in the hot weather? Here are our ideas based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out. Through the summer, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any quicker, it just leads to bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are a number of methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC unit.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can decrease air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed during the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house enable conditioned air to easily slip out and warmer air to get inside. This could lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home cooler and your utility bills to climb. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your unit is always performing at its most efficient. This allows our pros to spot simple issues before they become substantial dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and could even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to assure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re at home or gone to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 every year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can anticipate a properly cared for air conditioner to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Age Heating & Cooling

No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs lower this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 208-603-2210 or contact us online now for additional information.