As the heat increases, so does your AC bills. To keep your AC costs under control you might be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Des Moines?

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

Keeping your air conditioner on all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it down when you come home. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the job for you.

It’s a lot more laborious for your system to achieve the same temp all day long. It can also cause a lot of stress on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it might also lead to a reduced life cycle for your air conditioner.

Regardless, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility bills low in the warm weather? Here are our suggestions 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. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away at work. In the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any quicker, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures might appear toasty, 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 increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home enable conditioned air to easily slip out and warmer air to get in. This could lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your house cooler and your utility bills to climb. Make certain that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your equipment is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our experts to find little issues before they become serious problems. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re home or away to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 per year on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can foresee a properly cared for air conditioner to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Heartland Heating & Cooling

No one wants to see their air conditioning bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs low this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 515-344-3579 or contact us online right away for extra information.