As the heat rises, so does your AC costs. To keep your AC expenses under control you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Mason City?

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

Keeping your air conditioner running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re out, and turning it back down when you get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the work for you.

It’s far more taxing for your system to stay at the same temperature throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of stress on your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

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

Regardless, the larger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your utility bills low in the hot weather? Here are our suggestions based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away. During the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any sooner, it just results in bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear high, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to always run the air conditioner.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a residence enable conditioned air to quickly get out and the heat to get within. This can result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence cool and your AC bills to increase. Check that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your system is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to find little issues before they become significant dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and could even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re home or away to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 per year on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can foresee a properly cared for AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Mechanical Air Systems Co

No one likes to see their electricity bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and costs low this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at 641-243-4654 or contact us online today for extra details.