As the temp goes up, so does your energy expenses. To keep your AC expenses controlled you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Mankato area?

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

Keeping your AC on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you get back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the work for you.

It’s significantly more taxing for your system to achieve a consistent temperature all day long. It can also cause a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it may also cause a shortened life cycle for your AC unit.

No matter what, the greater the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer? 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. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out. During the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any sooner, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by just 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains shut during the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver additional insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house permit conditioned air to easily escape and warmer air to get in. This may 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 adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your equipment is always running at its most efficient. This allows our pros to locate small issues before they become significant troubles. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and might even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best 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 in your home or out to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can figure a properly cared for AC unit to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Improve Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Northern Comfort Inc

No one enjoys seeing their energy bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and expenses low this summer, our experts can help. Give us a call at 507-387-6596 or contact us online today for more details.