As the temp rises, so does your AC expenses. To keep your AC costs down you could be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Kankakee?

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

Keeping your air conditioning on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re out, and lowering it when you come home. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.

It’s considerably more laborious for your system to achieve a consistent temp all day long. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it might also result in a shortened life span for your air conditioner.

No matter what, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric bills low in the warm weather? Here are our ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away. During the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any quicker, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to always run the air conditioning.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep cool 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 openings throughout a residence let conditioned air to easily get out and the heat to get within. This can result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house comfortable and your utility bills to skyrocket. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your AC is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our experts to spot small issues before they result in major troubles. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even last 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 instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re home or away to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect a properly cared for AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating

No one wants to see their utility bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and costs lower this summer, our professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 815-933-8213 or contact us online right away for more information.