As the temp increases, so does your AC bills. To keep your air conditioning costs down you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Pocatello?

It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually false.

Keeping your air conditioning going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re out, and lowering it when you come back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.

It’s a lot more work for your system to stay at a constant temp all day long. It can also cause a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it might also cause a shortened life span for your air conditioner.

Regardless, the greater the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your electric bills low in the summer? Here are our ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. Through the summer, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any faster, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear high, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC unit.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds lowered and curtains drawn for the duration of the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence enable conditioned air to easily slip out and warmer air to get inside. This could result in your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence cool and your energy bills to climb. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your AC is always running at its most efficient. This lets our experts to detect simple issues before they become significant troubles. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and might even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to assure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works together with your smartphone to know when you’re home or out to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can anticipate a properly maintained AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a new system. We carry 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 Vogts Heating & Air

No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills lower this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 208-621-0129 or contact us online today for more details.