As the heat goes up, so does your air conditioning expenses. To keep your air conditioning costs under control you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in West Valley City?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually not true.

Keeping your air conditioner going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it down when you get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the job for you.

It’s a lot more taxing for your system to achieve a constant temp for many hours. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

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

No matter what, the larger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your utility bills low in the warm weather? Here are our ideas 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 says that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. In the summer, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your home any sooner, it just causes bigger electric bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains closed during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver extra insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a house allow for conditioned air to easily get out and the heat to get within. This can lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your utility bills to rise. Make sure 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. Plan for Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your unit is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to spot little issues before they result in significant problems. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and could even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works along with your smartphone to see when you’re at home or elsewhere to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 per year on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can foresee a properly maintained AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a replacement. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Select Comfort Systems

No one wants to see their utility bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs low this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at 801-305-4777 or contact us online today for extra information.