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

It’s a popular 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 running all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re elsewhere, and turning it down when you come home. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.

It’s a lot more taxing for your system to achieve a constant temperature all day long. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

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

No matter what, the larger the difference between your house’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 electric bills low in the summer season? Here are our tips based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away. During the summer, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a lower setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your home any sooner, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are many methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the air conditioning.
  2. Utilize 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 summer season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a residence enable conditioned air to easily escape and warmer air to get in. This may lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your home cooler and your energy bills to increase. Make certain that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your system is always running at its most efficient. This lets our professionals to spot small issues before they result in major troubles. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and may even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to see when you’re in your home or out to optimize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. 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 utility bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for an upgrade. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Enhance Your House’s Energy Efficiency with The Frazier Company

No one likes to see their energy bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses low this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 402-628-0206 or contact us online today for more information.