As the heat goes up, so does your air conditioning expenses. To keep your air conditioning expenses down you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Omaha?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually false.
Keeping your AC on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it down when you get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.
It’s considerably more work for your system to keep a constant temp all day long. It can also cause 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 cause a reduced life cycle for your AC unit.
Regardless, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills low in the hot weather? Here are our ideas based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Methods to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust 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 while you’re out of the house. In the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when 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 AC. This doesn’t actually cool your home any sooner, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the AC unit.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing 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 save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and boost energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a residence allow for conditioned air to rapidly slip out and warmer air to get in. This can cause your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house cooler and your energy bills to rise. Make certain that any cracks, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
- Schedule Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your system is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our pros to spot little issues before they turn into major problems. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and may even last for a longer period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to ensure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works with your smartphone to know when you’re at home or elsewhere to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 annually on heating and cooling costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can anticipate a properly cared for air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a replacement. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, including 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 wants to see their electricity bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs low this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 402-628-0206 or contact us online today for additional information.