Your AC’s primary function is to keep you and your family cool during the hot summer months. Unfortunately, air conditioners are often among the most expensive appliances to run due to their high energy consumption. So, how do you beat the heat without breaking the bank? Optimizing the way you use your air conditioner —and keeping it well-maintained by a reliable AC service provider in Winnipeg—can make a significant impact on your energy usage and monthly utility bills.
Many homeowners wonder how to save money while keeping their homes at a comfortable temperature. Is it cheaper to run an air conditioner all the time? Or is it better to turn the AC on and off as needed? Generally, it is more energy-efficient and cost-effective to leave your air conditioner on rather than turning it on and off frequently. However, there’s a bit more to it than that. In this post, we’re going to look at some tips and tricks to save money while running your air conditioner this summer.
AC Running All Day vs Turning AC On & Off
It might seem counterintuitive, but it is usually cheaper to leave your air conditioner running all day, rather than constantly turning it on and off, especially during hot weather. When you turn off your AC, the temperature in your house will rise. Then, when you turn it back on, your air conditioner has to work harder to cool the space back down. It often consumes more energy to cool down a warm house than it does to maintain a consistent temperature with your AC, costing more money in energy bills and if your AC’s maintenance is not up to the par, it can cost you even higher.
When should I turn off my air conditioning?
There are times when it is cheaper to turn off your air conditioner rather than letting it run all day. You might want to consider turning off the AC when:
- Extended Vacations: If you will be away from your home for more than a few days, it’s generally more energy-efficient to turn off the AC completely, rather than leave it running. If you have pets, instead of turning off the AC during your vacation, you can raise the temperature by several degrees to save money while still keeping them comfortable at home.
- Cool Weather: If it’s cool enough outside to comfortably open the windows without making your home too hot or humid, you can do so and turn off the AC to save energy.
- End of Cooling Season: Once the outdoor temperatures start to consistently drop off, you can turn off your AC unit for the season.
How to save money on air conditioning?
To minimize the cost of running your air conditioner, you’ll want to optimize energy efficiency, prioritize AC maintenance, and utilize a few other tips and tricks. Here are a few strategies to save money while running your air conditioner this summer:
- Optimize Thermostat Settings: Set your thermostat to a moderate temperature that is comfortable for you, but not extremely low. Every degree increase in your thermostat setting can significantly reduce energy consumption, saving you money.
- Raise the Temperature When You Are Away: To save energy, set the thermostat slightly higher when you’re not at home (for example, if you’ll be at work), as it takes less energy to maintain a higher temperature. Similarly, increase the thermostat setting slightly when you’re sleeping.
- Use a Programmable Thermostat: You can use a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on your schedule.
- Maintain Your AC Unit: To ensure that your AC unit is working optimally, it will need to be regularly cleaned and maintained. Clean or replace your air filters as needed and consider scheduling an annual maintenance checkup with a professional HVAC technician.
- Use Window Coverings: Close curtains and blinds during the hottest parts of the day to block out sunlight and reduce heat gain.
- Use Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans can help circulate cool air, helping you feel more comfortable.
- Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient AC Unit: If your air conditioner is nearing the end of its life, you may want to consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. Energy-efficient AC units can significantly lower your energy bills.
Our expert air condition technicians at Lynn’s in Winnipeg provide top-quality air conditioner maintenance and repair services, along with replacements and installations of brand new units. Contact us today for a free quote!
