As the temp goes up, so does your air conditioning costs. To keep your AC expenses controlled you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Kankakee?

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

Keeping your AC going constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and lowering it when you come back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the job for you.

It’s significantly more laborious for your system to stay at a consistent temperature all day long. It can also lead to a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it might also cause a shortened life expectancy for your air conditioner.

No matter what, the greater the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your electric bills low in the hot weather? Here are our suggestions based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. During the summer, it’s suggested to keep 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 cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your residence any sooner, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the AC unit.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can decrease air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to be mindful that 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 lowered and curtains drawn during the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home permit conditioned air to quickly escape and the heat to get in. This can result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence cool and your utility bills to rise. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your system is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our experts to spot small issues before they result in significant troubles. A well-kept air conditioner is generally more efficient and might even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re home or gone to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can anticipate a properly taken care of air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

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

No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses down this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 815-933-8213 or contact us online now for additional information.