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 techniques to use.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Trimming cooling expenditures may be easier than you imagine. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly utility bills:

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows goes 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 cooling expenses for each degree you increase the temperature. Try cranking up the temperature on your thermostat a tad 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 quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the area lowers the interior heat gain your AC must combat.

4. Use appliances strategically: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool point of the day. This strategy relieves some of your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, lowering 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 AC.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

If you’re willing to part with a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your air conditioning spending. Here are some affordable enhancements to consider:

6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature based on your schedule. You can trim AC expenditures by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning requires scheduled checkups to make certain it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to identify and solve small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a substantial return on investment through improved efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.

8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, limiting solar heat gain. This economical upgrade is an ideal way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and use a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home from getting warm and reduce lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re looking to make more substantial improvements, 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 has not been properly insulated. Peek 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 kind of insulation you choose, you might need to employ 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 generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling requirements.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a large amount of heat, forcing 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 is more costly 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 able to invest more up front.

15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your air conditioner and other electric appliances. The ongoing expense reductions, combined 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 above and beyond the expected to provide top-notch HVAC services that help cut 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 lower your summer cooling costs, please get in touch with the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!