15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in North America
Are you stressed by escalating utility bills this summer? To slash AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving behaviors, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested techniques to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming cooling system costs may be easier than you suspect. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly power bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By closing out the sun with insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you lessen solar heat gain in the afternoon and reduce the necessity 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 turning up the temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and using a fan to make up the difference.
3. Flip off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, create quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the area 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 part of the day. This technique reduces your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and improving home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Get rid of heat and humidity while cooking and showering to reduce the workload on your AC.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your AC expenses. Here are some cost-effective upgrades to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your activities. You can cut AC costs by up to 10 percent by turning the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can enjoy these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC should have scheduled checkups to make certain it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to find and resolve minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a tremendous return on investment through greater efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Install 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 enhance your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and use far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home more comfortable and reduce lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re looking93 to make more substantial changes, 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. Take a look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you select, you could 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 obstructs sunlight and produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling requirements.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a lot of heat, requiring your HVAC system to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with innovative glazing features improves your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Using an aging air conditioner is more costly 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 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 run your cooling system and other electric equipment. The ongoing expense reductions, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in North America With Help From Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we make the extra step to make sure our customers get133 excellent HVAC services that help decrease air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our superior 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 minimize your summer air conditioning costs, please get in touch with the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule your appointment today by calling 866-397-3787!