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

It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your air conditioner on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it down when you get back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.

It’s far more laborious for your system to achieve a consistent setting for many hours. It can also cause a lot of stress on your air conditioner, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also lead to a shortened life span for your AC.

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

Six Methods to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

1. Modify 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 away at work. Through the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any quicker, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are a number of methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC.
2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to note 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 during the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and improve energy efficiency.
3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home allow for conditioned air to easily escape and warm air to get within. This could result in your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your home cooler and your AC bills to rise. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
4. Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your AC is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to identify simple issues before they become significant troubles. A maintained air conditioner is generally more efficient and might even last for a longer period of time.
5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness 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 home or out to optimize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can figure a properly maintained AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling

No one enjoys seeing their electricity 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. Reach us at 208-561-1226 or contact us online now for more info.