As the temperature goes up, so does your AC expenses. To keep your AC bills down you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Chadron?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually not true.

Keeping your air conditioning on all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it down when you come back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.

It’s a lot more laborious for your system to stay at a consistent setting for many hours. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your air conditioner, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it can also result in a shortened life expectancy for your AC unit.

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

Six Ways to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out of the house. During the summer, it’s recommended to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any sooner, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are additional methods to keep cooler without having to always run the air conditioner.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a home allow for conditioned air to rapidly slip out and warmer air to get within. This could cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your home cool and your energy bills to increase. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your AC is always functioning at its most efficient. This lets our professionals to find simple issues before they become significant problems. A well-kept air conditioner is generally more efficient and can even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works along with your smartphone to know when you’re in your home or away to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 per year on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can figure a properly cared for air conditioner to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with MPC Heating & Cooling

No one enjoys seeing their energy bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills low this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 308-832-4321 or contact us online now for more info.