As the heat goes up, so does your AC bills. To keep your air conditioning costs controlled you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Kearney?

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

Keeping your AC going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it back down when you return. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.

It’s a lot more laborious for your system to stay at a consistent temp for many hours. It can also cause a lot of wear and tear to your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it can also cause a shorter life span for your AC.

Regardless, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain 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 Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. Through the summer, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s additionally important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your residence any sooner, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, 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 dialing up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds low and curtains shut during the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home enable conditioned air to quickly get out and warmer air to get inside. This could cause your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house cool and your utility bills to skyrocket. Make certain 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. Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your system is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our pros to detect small issues before they result in substantial problems. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works along with your smartphone to know when you’re at home or elsewhere to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can anticipate a properly maintained air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a replacement. We supply 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 Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning

No one likes to see their electricity bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs lower this summer, our professionals can help. Reach us at 308-624-3485 or contact us online today for more details.