As the temperature increases, so does your AC costs. To keep your AC bills low you could be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Hudsonville?

It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually not true.

Keeping your AC on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it back down 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 much more work for your system to stay at a consistent setting all day long. It can also result in a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

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

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

Six Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away. Through the summer, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any sooner, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to consistently run the AC unit.
2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs 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 conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds low and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and boost energy efficiency.
3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home enable conditioned air to easily escape and warm air to get in. This can cause your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your home cooler and your AC bills to climb. Check that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
4. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your air conditioner is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our pros to locate small issues before they turn into significant problems. A maintained air conditioner is generally more efficient and could even live for a longer period of time.
5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best 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 know when you’re at your house or elsewhere to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can figure a properly maintained air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We supply 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 West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services

No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills low this summer, our professionals can help. Give us a call at (616) 319-1436 or contact us online right away for extra information.