As the temperature increases, so does your energy bills. To keep your cooling bills down you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Chelan and Wenatchee?

It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually not true.

Keeping your AC running all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, 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 job for you.

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

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it can also lead to a reduced life span for your AC unit.

No matter what, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility bills low in the summer season? 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. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away at work. Through the summer, it’s recommended to position 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 unit. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any faster, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to always run the AC.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds low and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver additional insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence allow for conditioned air to quickly escape and warmer air to get in. This could lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your home cool and your utility bills to climb. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your unit is always performing at its most efficient. This allows our experts to detect small issues before they turn into major dilemmas. 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 greatest methods to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to see when you’re home or elsewhere to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 yearly on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can expect a properly cared for AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a new system. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Lakeside Heating & Air

No one wants to see their air conditioning bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses down this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at 509-284-4265 or contact us online today for more details.