As the heat rises, so does your energy expenses. To keep your AC expenses under control you may be asking yourself, 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 AC on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it down when you return. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.

It’s far more work for your system to stay at a consistent temperature throughout the day. It can also result in a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it could also result in a shortened life span for your HVAC system.

Regardless, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out of the house. Through the summer, it’s advised to set 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 colder setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any sooner, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to always run the air conditioning.
  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 lessen energy by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a residence allow for conditioned air to quickly slip out and the heat to get within. This may result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence cool and your utility bills to climb. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your air conditioner is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our pros to find simple issues before they turn into serious problems. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and could even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to sense when you’re home or away to optimize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can anticipate a properly cared for AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are rising 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 negotiating comfort.

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

No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills low this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 308-832-4321 or contact us online right away for additional information.