As the temp goes up, so does your AC costs. To keep your cooling expenses controlled you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Chelan and Wenatchee?

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

Keeping your air conditioner running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and lowering it when you come back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.

It’s far more taxing for your system to keep a consistent setting all day long. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your air conditioner, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

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

No matter what, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric 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 Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out. During the summer, it’s recommended to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s additionally important to avoid setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any quicker, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures might appear toasty, there are a number of methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the air conditioning.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower AC by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a house let conditioned air to rapidly escape and the heat to get in. This could result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your utility bills to rise. Check that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your equipment is always running at its most efficient. This lets our pros to identify small issues before they result in substantial dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and may even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re in your home or out to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can expect a properly cared for air conditioner to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

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

No one likes to see their utility bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills down this summer, our professionals can help. Give us a call at 509-284-4265 or contact us online now for additional details.