As the temp goes up, so does your energy bills. To keep your cooling costs under control you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Bend?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a misconception.

Keeping your air conditioning going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and turning it down when you get back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.

It’s a lot more laborious for your system to keep the same setting all day long. 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 cause a shorter life span for your AC unit.

Regardless, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your utility bills low in the summer season? Here are our suggestions based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out. In the summer, it’s suggested to keep 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 lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any sooner, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear toasty, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the air conditioner.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver extra insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house let conditioned air to rapidly slip out and warm air to get in. This can lead to your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your home cool and your utility bills to skyrocket. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your AC is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our experts to locate simple issues before they turn into major troubles. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and may even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to assure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works along with your smartphone to see when you’re at home or away to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 annually on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can anticipate a properly maintained AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are skyrocketing 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 bargaining comfort.

Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Tri County Climate Control LLC

No one likes to see their utility bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and expenses down this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 541-238-2797 or contact us online now for additional information.