As the heat goes up, so does your AC expenses. To keep your AC bills under control you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Pocatello?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your AC going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you get back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.
It’s significantly more taxing for your system to keep a consistent temp for many hours. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it could also cause a shorter life expectancy for your air conditioner.
Regardless, the greater the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility bills low in the summer? Here are our ideas based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Methods to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Change Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out. Through the summer, it’s recommended to set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s also important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any faster, it just results in bigger electric bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are a number of methods to keep cool without having to always run the AC.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn for the duration of the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver extra insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house let conditioned air to rapidly slip out and warm air to get within. This can lead to your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your utility bills to increase. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Plan for Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your AC is always running at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to locate little issues before they become serious problems. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and could even live for a longer period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re in your home or gone to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 every year on heating and cooling costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can expect a properly maintained AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Vogts Heating & Air
No one likes to see their energy bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills lower this summer, our professionals can help. Give us a call at 208-621-0129 or contact us online right away for additional information.