Are you weighed down by escalating utility bills this summer? To cut AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven strategies to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming AC expenses may be easier than you think. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows enters as heat. By blocking out the sun by pulling 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 AC costs for each degree you increase the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a tad higher than usual and using a fan to make up the difference.
3. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, create a whole lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the room lowers the interior heat gain your AC 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 relieves some of your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, minimizing your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate heat and humidity while cooking and showering to diminish 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 bigger dent in your air conditioning costs. Here are some wallet-friendly upgrades to consider:
6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature according to your routine. You can trim 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 experience these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning should have scheduled checkups to make certain it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to identify and deal with minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a substantial return on investment through improved efficiency and can lengthen the unit's life.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors cause around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, reducing solar heat gain. This affordable upgrade is a great way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and utilize a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home more comfortable and reduce lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re looking to make more substantial 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 isn't properly insulated. Look 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 kind of insulation you have, you might 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 blocks sunlight and creates 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, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Buying new 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 costs more than you might think. Upgrading from a decade-old 10 SEER model to a modern-day 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your cooling expenses. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even more if you’re willing to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to operate 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
At Service Experts, we make the extra step to provide exceptional 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 Service Experts Guarantee. To learn more about how we can help lower your summer AC expenses, please reach out to the Experts at Service Experts. Schedule your appointment by calling (866) 963-7996 today!
