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

It’s a popular belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually not true.

Keeping your air conditioning running all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it down when you get back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.

It’s significantly more taxing for your system to keep a consistent setting throughout the day. It can also result in a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

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

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

Six Ways to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out of the house. Through the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any sooner, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are a number of methods to keep cool without having to consistently 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 lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home allow for conditioned air to quickly get out and warm air to get in. This may lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your AC bills to increase. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your system is always running at its most efficient. This allows our pros to locate simple issues before they result in significant troubles. A clean 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 greatest methods to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to notice when you’re in your home or away to enhance your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can figure a properly maintained AC unit to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating

No one likes to see their air conditioning bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and expenses low this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 314-262-4541 or contact us online today for additional details.