As the heat increases, so does your AC expenses. To keep your AC expenses controlled you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Des Moines?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a misconception.
Keeping your air conditioning on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re out, and lowering it when you return. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.
It’s far more work for your system to stay at the same temp throughout the day. It can also lead to a lot of stress on your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it might also result in a reduced life expectancy for your air conditioner.
Regardless, the bigger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your utility bills low in the warm weather? Here are our suggestions based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Change Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out of the house. 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 abstain from setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than average when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your home any faster, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to always run the AC.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and boost energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence allow for conditioned air to rapidly slip out and the heat to get within. This may cause your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your utility bills to increase. Make certain that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your air conditioner is always running at its most efficient. This lets our pros to find little issues before they become major problems. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and could even live for a longer period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re home or elsewhere to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can figure a properly taken care of air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy 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 negotiating comfort.
Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling
No one likes to see their air conditioning bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs low this summer, our experts can help. Give us a call at 515-207-6569 or contact us online right away for extra information.