As the temp rises, so does your AC costs. To keep your air conditioning expenses down you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Saint Louis?

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 air conditioning on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and lowering it when you come back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.

It’s a lot more laborious for your system to achieve the same temperature for many hours. It can also cause a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it can also lead to a shortened life cycle for your AC unit.

Regardless, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out of the house. Through the summer, it’s advised to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your residence any quicker, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are many methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the AC.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by only 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 be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains drawn for the duration of the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence allow for conditioned air to quickly escape and warm air to get in. This can result in your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your house cool and your AC bills to climb. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your AC is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to spot small issues before they become significant problems. A maintained air conditioner is usually more efficient and can even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to 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 regular schedule. It works along with your smartphone to see when you’re home or elsewhere to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can anticipate a properly cared for AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently 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 House’s Energy Efficiency with Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating

No one wants to see their utility bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and costs down this summer, our professionals can help. Reach us at 314-262-4541 or contact us online now for additional details.