As the temp increases, so does your AC costs. To keep your air conditioning costs low you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Wisconsin Rapids?
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 conditioning going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and lowering it when you get back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.
It’s considerably more taxing for your system to stay at the same temperature for many hours. It can also result in a lot of stress on your equipment, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it can also lead to a shortened life span for your HVAC system.
Regardless, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your utility 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 Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. During the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a lower setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any sooner, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures could appear toasty, there are additional methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house allow for conditioned air to rapidly escape and warmer air to get in. This could result in your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence cool and your energy bills to rise. Check that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your unit is always performing at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to identify simple issues before they result in serious dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even run for a longer period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works together with your smartphone to see when you’re home or away to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can figure a properly cared for AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc
No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills down this summer, our experts can help. Reach us at 715-301-0256 or contact us online today for more details.