15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you stressed by skyrocketing utility bills this summer? To reduce 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 strategies to use.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Cutting cooling expenses may be easier than you think. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly power bills:

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By shutting 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 demand for air conditioning.

2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your AC bills for each degree you raise the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a bit higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.

3. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, make a lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the space 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 strategy reduces your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, minimizing your bill and improving home comfort.

5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to diminish the workload on your AC.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even larger 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 daily schedule. You can trim AC bills by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without hassle or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning should have regular checkups to make certain it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to identify and take care of small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a significant return on investment through greater efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.

8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors cause around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off 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 affordable upgrade is a very good way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and utilize 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 extensive modifications, 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 has not been properly 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 type of insulation you select, 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 obstructs sunlight and produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling demands.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a lot of heat, making your HVAC system to work harder. Installing double- or triple-pane windows with innovative 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 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your cooling expenses. The savings capacity 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 appliances. The ongoing savings, coupled 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 go above and beyond the expected to deliver exceptional 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 very comfortable backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help minimize your summer cooling expenditures, please get in touch with the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!