15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Fort Worth
Are you burdened by increasing utility expenses this summer? To reduce AC costs without compromising 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
Lowering AC expenses may be easier than you imagine. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows comes into the building as heat. By shutting 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 demand for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your air conditioning costs for each degree you increase the temperature. Try turning up the temperature on your thermostat a tad 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, create a lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the room reduces the interior heat gain your air conditioner must combat.
4. Use appliances strategically: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the coolest time of the day. This approach reduces your AC’s load 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 diminish the workload on your air conditioner.
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 affordable upgrades to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature according to your activities. You can trim AC costs by up to 10 percent by dialing the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner requires scheduled checkups to make certain it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to identify and fix minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a tremendous return on investment through increased efficiency and can lengthen the unit's life.
8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those annoying 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 affordable upgrade is a very good way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and consume a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home more comfortable and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more extensive changes, you may want to make 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. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you choose, you may need to hire 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 whole lot of heat, requiring your HVAC system to work harder. Installing 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 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 air conditioning costs. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even higher 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 expense reductions, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Fort Worth With Help From Stark Services
At Stark Services, we go the extra mile to deliver133 exceptional 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 lower your summer AC expenditures, please reach out to the Experts at Stark Services. Schedule your appointment today by calling 817-668-6689!