As the temp goes up, so does your air conditioning expenses. To keep your air conditioning expenses low you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Siloam Springs?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your air conditioning going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it down when you come back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.

It’s much more laborious for your system to achieve a consistent setting all day long. It can also cause a lot of stress on your equipment, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also cause a reduced life expectancy for your AC.

In any case, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility bills low in the hot weather? Here are our ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. During the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time 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 average when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any sooner, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to always run the AC unit.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can decrease air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. 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. Furthermore, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home enable conditioned air to rapidly escape and warm air to get within. This may lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house cool and your energy bills to increase. Make sure that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your AC is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to spot small issues before they turn into substantial dilemmas. A maintained air conditioner is usually more efficient and could even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to know when you’re at your house or away to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can figure a properly maintained AC unit to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Siloam Springs Heating & AC

No one enjoys seeing their utility bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills low this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 479-308-8176 or contact us online now for additional information.