As the temp goes up, so does your AC costs. To keep your AC costs under control you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Chadron?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your air conditioning running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it 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 considerably more taxing for your system to keep a constant temp all day long. It can also lead to a lot of wear and tear to your air conditioner, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also cause a reduced life expectancy for your HVAC system.

In any case, the bigger 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 utility bills low in the warm weather? Here are our suggestions based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away. During the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your residence any faster, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC unit.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can decrease energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains closed during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver additional insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house enable conditioned air to rapidly slip out and warmer air to get inside. This could lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your AC bills to climb. Check that any openings, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your AC is always running at its most efficient. This permits our experts to detect little issues before they become significant troubles. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and might even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works with your smartphone to see when you’re at home or away to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can foresee a properly taken care of air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a new system. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

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

No one likes to see their electricity bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills low this summer, our team can help. Get in touch with us at 308-832-4321 or contact us online right away for more information.