As the heat increases, so does your energy expenses. To keep your AC expenses under control you might be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Port Clinton?

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

Keeping your air conditioner on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re out, and lowering it when you get back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.

It’s significantly more laborious for your system to achieve a consistent temp for many hours. 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 may also lead to a shortened life span for your AC unit.

In any case, the bigger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your utility bills low in the summer season? Here are our tips based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away at work. Through the summer, it’s recommended to set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a lower setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your home any faster, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear toasty, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to consistently run the AC unit.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can decrease energy by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. 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. Additionally, keeping blinds down and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house permit conditioned air to easily slip out and the heat to get in. This can result in your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your house cooler and your AC bills to climb. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your unit is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our pros to find small issues before they turn into major troubles. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to see when you’re home or away to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can foresee a properly cared for AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a new system. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Ohler & Holzhauer Inc.

No one enjoys seeing their utility bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and expenses low this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 419-465-8722 or contact us online today for extra details.