As the temperature increases, so does your AC costs. To keep your air conditioning costs controlled you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Florissant and St. Charles?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually not true.

Keeping your air conditioner going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you come home. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.

It’s much more work for your system to keep a constant temp all day long. It can also cause a lot of stress on your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also lead to a shortened life expectancy for your HVAC system.

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

Six Ways to Boost 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 turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away. During the summer, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s additionally important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any sooner, it just results in bigger electric bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are many methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by just 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 be mindful that that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains shut during the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a residence permit conditioned air to rapidly get out and the heat to get in. This can result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills to climb. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your equipment is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our experts to find simple issues before they result in major dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and can even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to ensure 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 know when you’re at your house or gone to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 per year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect a properly taken care of AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with B & B Heating & Cooling

No one likes to see their utility bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses lower this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 314-325-7552 or contact us online today for more details.