As the heat rises, so does your AC costs. To keep your AC costs low you may be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Monroe?

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

Keeping your air conditioning going constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it back down when you get back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the work for you.

It’s much more work for your system to stay at the same temp throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it could also lead to a shorter life cycle for your AC.

In any case, the larger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your utility bills low in the hot weather? Here are our ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. In the summer, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when 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 AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any quicker, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to always run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can decrease energy by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a residence enable conditioned air to rapidly escape and warm air to get within. This may result in your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence cool and your energy bills to skyrocket. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your air conditioner is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our pros to find small issues before they turn into serious troubles. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works together with your smartphone to know when you’re in your home or elsewhere to enhance your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can anticipate a properly cared for AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a new system. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Lanz Furnace and Fireplace

No one likes to see their utility bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills lower this summer, our experts can help. Give us a call at 608-291-3606 or contact us online right away for additional information.