As the heat goes up, so does your energy bills. To keep your AC bills controlled you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Michigan City?
It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your AC on all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and lowering it when you come back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.
It’s a lot more work for your system to achieve the same setting for many hours. It can also cause a lot of wear and tear to your equipment, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also cause a shortened life cycle for your AC.
In any case, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your electric bills low in the summer? Here are our suggestions based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Approaches to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. During the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s additionally important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than average when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your residence any quicker, it just causes bigger electric bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to always run the AC.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing 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 areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds low and curtains closed during the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a residence permit conditioned air to quickly slip out and warm air to get within. This could lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home cool and your utility bills to skyrocket. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
- Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your system is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to spot little issues before they result in serious problems. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and may even live for a longer period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works along with your smartphone to sense when you’re home or out to enhance your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 annually on energy costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can expect a properly taken care of air conditioner to run 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 may be time for a new system. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Paniccia Heating & Cooling
No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs lower this summer, our team can help. Give us a call at 219-872-2198 or contact us online now for additional details.