15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Hillsborough
Are you weighed down by skyrocketing utility bills this summer? To cut AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven tips to consider.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Lowering cooling system expenditures may be easier than you imagine. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly utility 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 with insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you minimize 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 costs for each degree you increase the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a bit higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.
3. Turn 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 lowers the interior heat gain your air conditioner must combat.
4. Use appliances wisely: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool point of the day. This approach lightens your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, minimizing your bill and maximizing home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove 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 invest a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your air conditioning costs. Here are some low-cost enhancements to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature depending on your activities. You can cut AC expenditures by up to 10 percent by dialing the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can enjoy these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC requires routine checkups to ensure it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to find and resolve little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a substantial return on investment through increased efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors cause approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those pesky leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, limiting solar heat gain. This affordable upgrade is an ideal 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 utilize far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home from getting warm and lower lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re prepared93 to make more substantial improvements, you may want to make the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic is not adequately insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you select, 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 reduces sunlight and produces 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, requiring your HVAC system to work harder. Installing double- or triple-pane windows with innovative glazing features increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Running an aging air conditioner is more expensive 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 bills. The savings potential of this purchase is even more if you’re prepared to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to operate your HVAC and other electric equipment. The ongoing expense reductions, coupled with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial investment.
Save More on Your AC in Hillsborough With Help From Fras-Air/General Service Experts
At Fras-Air/General Service Experts, we make the extra step to provide133 top-notch HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our high-quality 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 cooling costs, please contact the Experts at Fras-Air/General Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 908-448-2154!
