As the heat goes up, so does your energy bills. To keep your cooling bills low you could be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Dresden?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually false.

Keeping your AC running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it back down when you get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.

It’s a lot more laborious for your system to achieve a consistent temperature throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of stress on your equipment, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

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

In any case, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer season? Here are our tips based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. Through the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s additionally important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any sooner, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home allow for conditioned air to easily slip out and the heat to get in. This can result in your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your utility bills to climb. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your unit is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to detect small issues before they become substantial problems. A well-kept air conditioner is generally more efficient and could even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to assure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works together with your smartphone to see when you’re in your home or gone to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can expect a properly cared for AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with McFadden Heating & Cooling

No one likes to see their air conditioning bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs down this summer, our team can help. Reach us at 519-683-2339 or contact us online now for extra info.