As the heat increases, so does your energy costs. To keep your air conditioning costs down you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Cache Valley?

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

Keeping your air conditioner on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it back down when you come home. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.

It’s significantly more taxing for your system to keep a consistent temperature for many hours. It can also lead to a lot of stress on your air conditioner, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

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

No matter what, the bigger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater 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 ideas based on 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 states that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. In the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any quicker, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear toasty, there are additional methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the AC.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease energy by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn during the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence let conditioned air to quickly escape and warm air to get inside. This can lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house comfortable and your energy bills to skyrocket. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your unit is always running at its most efficient. This lets our pros to spot small issues before they result in major dilemmas. A maintained air conditioner is usually more efficient and could even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to see when you’re at home or away to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can anticipate a properly cared for air conditioner to run 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 might be time for a new system. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Western Mechanical, Inc.

No one likes to see their utility bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and costs low this summer, our team can help. Get in touch with us at 435-753-5515 or contact us online right away for more details.