As the heat goes up, so does your energy costs. To keep your air conditioning expenses down you may be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Excelsior Springs?

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

Keeping your air conditioning going constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and lowering it when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.

It’s a lot more taxing for your system to keep a constant setting all day long. It can also result in a lot of strain on your system, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it might also result in a shorter life expectancy for your air conditioner.

Regardless, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer season? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away. During the summer, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any quicker, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are additional methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the air conditioner.
2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by just 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a house enable conditioned air to rapidly get out and warmer air to get within. This may lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your AC bills to rise. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
4. Plan for Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your system is always performing at its most efficient. This allows our pros to locate little issues before they turn into major problems. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and could even live for a longer period of time.
5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re at your house or gone to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 annually on heating and cooling costs.
6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect a properly cared for AC unit to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Colvin's Heating and Cooling

No one likes to see their electricity bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses lower this summer, our professionals can help. Give us a call at 816-379-3918 or contact us online right away for extra info.