As the temp goes up, so does your AC expenses. To keep your air conditioning bills under control you may be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Jefferson City?

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

Keeping your AC running all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you get back. You can do 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 consistent temperature all day long. It can also cause a lot of strain on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it could also cause a reduced life cycle for your AC unit.

In any case, the bigger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills low in the hot weather? Here are our ideas based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out. In the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any quicker, it just leads to bigger energy bills. While these temperatures might appear high, there are a number of methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home allow for conditioned air to rapidly get out and warmer air to get in. This may cause your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your utility bills to rise. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your equipment is always performing at its most efficient. This allows our experts to spot simple issues before they result in major problems. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and could even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to ensure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to sense when you’re at your house or out to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 annually on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect a properly cared for air conditioner to last 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 an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Enhance Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Stieferman Heating Company Inc

No one enjoys seeing their utility bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills low this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 573-635-3547 or contact us online right away for extra information.