Are you stressed by increasing utility bills this summer? To reduce AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven tips to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Lowering cooling system expenditures may be easier than you think. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By shutting out the sun with insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you lower solar heat gain in the afternoon and reduce the need for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your air conditioning bills for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a little higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.
3. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, produce quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the room lowers the interior heat gain your air conditioning must combat.
4. Use appliances wisely: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the coolest point of the day. This technique relieves some of your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to diminish the workload on your air conditioning.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to part with a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your AC expenses. Here are some wallet-friendly upgrades to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature depending on your schedule. You can slash AC expenditures by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can appreciate these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner needs scheduled checkups to make certain it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to find and deal with small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a tremendous return on investment through improved efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors cause approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those irritating leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Install reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, reducing solar heat gain. This wallet-friendly upgrade is a very good way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and use considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home from getting warm and reduce lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re looking93 to make more extensive changes, you may want to make the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic is not sufficiently insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you choose, you might need to contact a professional for the job.
12. Plant trees for natural shade: Planting leafy trees on the south and west sides of your house reduces sunlight and creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling requirements.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, forcing your AC to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with state-of-the-art glazing features elevates your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Operating an aging air conditioner is more expensive than you might think. Upgrading from a decade-old 10 SEER model to a modern-day 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your cooling bills. The savings capacity of this purchase is even higher if you’re willing to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to run your HVAC and other electric equipment. The ongoing savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Hilton Head Island With Help From Epperson Service Experts
At Epperson Service Experts, we go above and beyond the expected to make sure our customers get133 excellent HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our top-quality products, Expert knowledge and attention to detail, we feel very comfortable backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help reduce your summer air conditioning costs, please reach out to the Experts at Epperson Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 843-619-3781!