As the temperature goes up, so does your air conditioning costs. To keep your air conditioning bills low you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Belton?

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

Keeping your air conditioner going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it down 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 much more work for your system to keep a consistent temperature all day long. It can also cause a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it could also result in a shortened life span 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 electric bills low in the summer? Here are our tips based upon 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 affirms that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. In the summer, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also 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 residence any sooner, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear toasty, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the air conditioning.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, 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 improve energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home enable conditioned air to rapidly get out and the heat to get in. This can cause your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your home cooler and your utility bills to skyrocket. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your unit is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to spot little issues before they turn into major troubles. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and could even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works together with your smartphone to see when you’re at your house or elsewhere to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 every year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can figure a properly cared for air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Myers Furnace Company

No one enjoys seeing their air conditioning bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and costs lower this summer, our team can help. Reach us at 816-249-1619 or contact us online right away for additional details.