15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs
Are you burdened by escalating 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 effective tips to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming cooling costs may be easier than you think. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly power bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By blocking out the sun by pulling insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you cut down on solar heat gain in the afternoon and reduce the necessity 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 bit higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.
3. Switch off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, produce a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the area decreases the interior heat gain your air conditioner must combat.
4. Use appliances wisely: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool time of the day. This strategy lightens your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and improving home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Get rid of heat and humidity while cooking and showering to diminish the workload on your air conditioner.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your AC costs. Here are some cost-effective improvements to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature depending on your routine. You can trim AC costs by up to 10 percent by dialing the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning should have scheduled checkups to make sure it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to find and solve minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a substantial return on investment through improved efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those irritating leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Install reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, limiting solar heat gain. This economical upgrade is a great way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and use far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home more comfortable and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re looking to make more significant improvements, explore the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic is not properly insulated. Look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you have, 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 produces 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, making your AC to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with state-of-the-art glazing features improves your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Operating an aging air conditioner is more costly 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 AC expenses. The savings capacity of this purchase is even more if you’re able to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to operate your HVAC and other electric equipment. The ongoing expense reductions, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in the U.S. With Help From Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we make the extra step to make sure our customers get excellent HVAC services that help decrease air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our superior products, Expert knowledge, and attention to detail, we feel secure backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help reduce your summer cooling expenditures, please reach out to the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!