15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you stressed by escalating utility expenses this summer? To reduce AC costs without sacrificing 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

Trimming air conditioning expenditures may be easier than you think. Here are some absolutely 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 closing 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 demand for air conditioning.

2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your AC bills for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try setting 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 lot of heat. Turning them off when you aren’t in the space 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 point of the day. This technique relieves some of your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, minimizing your bill and boosting home comfort.

5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to cut down the workload on your cooling system.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your AC costs. Here are some cost-effective improvements to consider:

6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature based on your daily schedule. You can slash AC bills by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can appreciate these savings without aggravation or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner requires routine checkups to ensure it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to identify and fix little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a tremendous return on investment through increased efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.

8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, limiting solar heat gain. This economical upgrade is an ideal 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 utilize a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home cooler and lower lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re looking to make more substantial modifications, consider the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic is not adequately insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what kind of insulation you choose, you might 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 creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling requirements.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a lot of heat, making your HVAC system 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: Operating an aging air conditioner costs more than you might think. Upgrading from a decade-old 10 SEER model to a contemporary 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your AC expenses. The savings potential 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 operate your cooling system and other electric equipment. 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 premium 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 reduce your summer AC expenditures, please get in touch with the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!