As the temperature rises, so does your AC costs. To keep your AC bills down you might be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Menomonie and western Wisconsin?

It’s a popular belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a misconception.

Keeping your air conditioner running all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re out, and turning it down when you get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.

It’s significantly more laborious for your system to stay at a constant temp for many hours. It can also result in a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it might also result in a shortened life expectancy for your HVAC system.

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

Six Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. Through the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s additionally important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any sooner, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear toasty, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the air conditioning.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds down and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house let conditioned air to easily escape and the heat to get in. This could result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home cooler and your energy bills to increase. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your AC is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our pros to detect little issues before they turn into serious troubles. A clean air conditioner is usually more efficient and can even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re home or away to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can expect a properly cared for air conditioner to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a new system. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Enhance Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Halverson Brothers Inc

No one enjoys seeing their air conditioning bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses low this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at 715-352-4052 or contact us online now for more details.