15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs
Are you stressed by increasing utility costs this summer? To slash AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested tips to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Lowering air conditioning expenditures may be easier than you think. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly electricity bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto standard double-pane windows enters as heat. By closing out the sun by pulling insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you lower 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 AC costs for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try cranking up the temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.
3. Flip off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, make quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the area reduces the interior heat gain your AC must combat.
4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool point of the day. This approach reduces your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and maximizing home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to cut down the workload on your AC.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your air conditioning spending. Here are some wallet-friendly upgrades to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature according to 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 enjoy these savings without hassle or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC requires scheduled checkups to ensure it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to detect and resolve small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a substantial return on investment through increased efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors cause approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those pesky leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, decreasing solar heat gain. This economical upgrade is a very good way to improve 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 qualities help keep your home cooler and reduce lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready to make more extensive modifications, explore the following investments to cut air conditioning costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic has not been properly insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what type of insulation you select, you could 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 blocks sunlight and creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling requirements.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, making your AC to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with innovative glazing features increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Running 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 AC bills. 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 run your cooling system and other electric appliances. The ongoing cost savings, 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 deliver exceptional HVAC services that help decrease 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 expenditures, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!