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

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

Keeping your AC going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and lowering it when you come back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.

It’s a lot more taxing for your system to stay at a constant temperature throughout the day. 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 energy bills, it may also lead to a shortened life expectancy for your AC unit.

In any case, the greater the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer? Here are our ideas 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. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out of the house. During the summer, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a colder setting than average when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any faster, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the air conditioner.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit 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 cooler air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver added insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home let conditioned air to rapidly escape and warm air to get inside. This may cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your house cool and your utility bills to increase. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your equipment is always running at its most efficient. This allows our pros to identify simple issues before they turn into significant troubles. A clean air conditioner is usually more efficient and could even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to ensure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works together with your smartphone to see when you’re in your home or away to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can figure a properly taken care of air conditioner to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re often 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, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning

No one wants to see their air conditioning bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses lower this summer, our experts can help. Reach us at 204-272-8128 or contact us online today for additional information.