As the temperature goes up, so does your AC expenses. To keep your cooling costs down you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Yukon?

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

Keeping your air conditioning on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re out, and turning it down when you come home. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.

It’s far more work for your system to keep the same setting throughout the day. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also result in a shortened life expectancy for your air conditioner.

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

Six Ways 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 raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away at work. In the summer, it’s recommended to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your house any faster, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the air conditioning.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower AC 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 head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house allow for conditioned air to quickly get out and warm air to get within. This can result in your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence cool and your utility bills to skyrocket. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your equipment is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to identify small issues before they become major troubles. A maintained air conditioner is generally more efficient and may even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to sense when you’re at your house or elsewhere to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect a properly cared for air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. 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 Home’s Energy Efficiency with Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning

No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses down this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 405-494-7444 or contact us online today for more details.