As the temperature rises, so does your energy costs. To keep your AC expenses under control you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Menomonie and western Wisconsin?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC 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 advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it back down when you come back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.

It’s far more laborious for your system to stay at a constant temp all day long. 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 may also cause a shortened life cycle for your AC.

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

Six Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away. During the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any quicker, it just causes bigger electric bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are a number of methods to keep cool without having to always run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can decrease energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains shut during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a residence let conditioned air to easily get out and the heat to get inside. This can result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your AC bills to climb. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your air conditioner is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our experts to spot small issues before they result in major troubles. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re in your home or away to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 every year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect a properly cared for air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Halverson Brothers Inc

No one wants to see their energy bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses low this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 715-352-4052 or contact us online right away for extra info.