Are you stressed by increasing utility expenses 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 tried and tested tips to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Cutting AC costs may be easier than you imagine. 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 closing 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 AC costs for each degree you increase the temperature. Try establishing a temperature on your thermostat a little 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, create a whole lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the area lowers the interior heat gain your air conditioning must combat.
4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cooler time of the day. This technique 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 reduce 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 cooling expenses. Here are some affordable enhancements to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your schedule. You can trim AC costs by up to 10 percent by turning the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can enjoy these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC needs regular checkups to make certain it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to detect and take care of minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a substantial return on investment through improved efficiency and can lengthen the unit's life.
8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Install reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, decreasing solar heat gain. This affordable upgrade is a very good way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and use far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home cooler and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re looking93 to make more substantial modifications, explore the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic isn’t sufficiently insulated. Peek 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 type of insulation you choose, you may 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 cutting down on your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, making your AC to work harder. Buying new 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: Running an aging air conditioner is more costly than you might think. Upgrading from a decade-old 10 SEER model to a modern 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your air conditioning expenses. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even greater if you’re willing to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your HVAC and other electric devices. The ongoing cost savings, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Gaithersburg With Help From Parker Pearce Service Experts
At Parker Pearce Service Experts, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers get133 top-notch HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our high-quality 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 minimize your summer air conditioning expenditures, please contact the Experts at Parker Pearce Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 301-476-4577!