15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs
Are you weighed down by skyrocketing utility expenses 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 proven strategies to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Lowering AC expenses may be easier than you suspect. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows goes into the building as heat. By shutting 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 establishing a temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and using a fan to make up the difference.
3. Switch off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, make a whole lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the area decreases 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 cooler part of the day. This strategy relieves some of your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and maximizing home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate 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 part with a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your AC spending. Here are some wallet-friendly enhancements to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature according to your schedule. You can cut AC expenditures by up to 10 percent by dialing the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can enjoy these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner needs routine checkups to ensure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to find and resolve small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a substantial return on investment through greater efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those annoying 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 very good 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 properties help keep your home cooler and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re looking to make more significant modifications, consider the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can leak through the ceiling if your attic is not sufficiently insulated. Look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what kind 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 reduces sunlight and generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling demands.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, making your AC to work harder. Buying new 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: Using an aging air conditioner is more expensive 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 cooling expenses. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even more if you’re willing to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to operate your air conditioner 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 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 top-notch HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our superior products, Expert knowledge, and attention to detail, we feel confident backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help lower your summer air conditioning expenditures, please get in touch with the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!