As the temp goes up, so does your energy bills. To keep your AC bills under control you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Omaha?
It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a misconception.
Keeping your AC running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend setting 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 is able to do the job for you.
It’s far more taxing for your system to keep a consistent setting for many hours. It can also result in a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it may also lead to a shortened life cycle for your AC.
No matter what, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your air conditioning costs will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your electric bills down in the summer season? Here are our ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can save up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. Through the summer, it’s advised 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 forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your residence any quicker, it just leads to more expensive electric expenses. While these temperatures might appear high, there are additional ways to keep cool without having to constantly run the AC unit.
- Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can decrease energy by up to 14% throughout the summer season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep conditioned air in. There are also some window solutions meant to deliver extra insulation and boost energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps all around a residence allow for conditioned air to easily escape and the heat to get in. This can lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house comfortable and your AC bills to skyrocket. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple mends for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Plan for Routine Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your AC is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to find small issues before they result in major problems. A well-kept AC unit is typically more efficient and could even live for a greater period of time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest ways to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adapts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works along with your smartphone to see when you’re at home or away to optimize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can foresee an adequately maintained AC unit to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy costs are skyrocketing with no altering in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning
No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re seeking more ways to keep your energy use and costs down this summer, our professionals can help. Reach us at 402-509-5940 or contact us online right away for more details.