As the temp increases, so does your AC bills. To keep your air conditioning costs under control you might be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Carson City?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually a misconception.

Keeping your AC going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it back down when you return. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.

It’s much more taxing for your system to achieve the same temperature throughout the day. It can also lead to a lot of strain on your system, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it can also cause a shortened life cycle for your AC.

No matter what, the greater the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more 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 ideas 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. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away. In the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your house any quicker, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a residence let conditioned air to rapidly escape and the heat to get in. This may lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your utility bills to climb. Make sure 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. Plan for Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your system is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our professionals to spot small issues before they become serious dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and can 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 intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to see when you’re in your home or out to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 every year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can foresee a properly taken care of AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Enhance Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Anderson Heating & A/C

No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs lower this summer, our team can help. Reach us at 775-854-9700 or contact us online today for additional details.