15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you burdened by skyrocketing utility bills this summer? To reduce AC costs without sacrificing 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

Cutting AC expenditures may be easier than you suspect. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto standard double-pane windows enters as heat. By shutting out the sun by pulling insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you lessen 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 air conditioning bills for each degree you raise 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. Switch off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, produce a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you leave 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 part of the day. This strategy reduces your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, bringing down 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 spend a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your cooling costs. Here are some low-cost enhancements to consider:

6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature based on your routine. You can slash AC expenditures 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 aggravation or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning requires routine checkups to make sure it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to detect and fix minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a substantial return on investment through greater efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.

8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for 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 wallet-friendly upgrade is a great way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace 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 from getting warm and cut down on lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re prepared 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 isn’t sufficiently insulated. Peer 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 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 reduces sunlight and produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling needs.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a lot of heat, forcing your AC to work harder. Installing 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: 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 AC expenses. The savings capacity of this purchase is even higher if you’re prepared to invest more up front.

15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your HVAC and other electric equipment. The ongoing cost savings, coupled 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 go the extra mile to make sure our customers get top-notch HVAC services that help decrease air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our premium 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 expenses, please reach out to the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!

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