Are you burdened by skyrocketing utility bills this summer? To cut AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving behaviors, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven techniques to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Cutting cooling system expenditures may be easier than you imagine. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly electricity 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 blocking out the sun with insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you cut down on 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 expenses for each degree you increase the temperature. Try establishing a temperature on 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, make a whole lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the space reduces the interior heat gain your air conditioning must combat.
4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool part of the day. This strategy lightens 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 reduce the workload on your air conditioner.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your AC spending. Here are some low-cost enhancements to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature depending on your activities. You can trim AC costs by up to 10 percent by dialing the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can appreciate these savings without hassle or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning requires regular checkups to make certain it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to detect and take care of minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a tremendous return on investment through greater efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors cause approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, reducing solar heat gain. This wallet-friendly upgrade is an ideal way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and utilize far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home more comfortable and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more extensive changes, explore 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 isn’t adequately insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what kind of insulation you choose, you could 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 generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, requiring your AC to work harder. Installing 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: Using an aging air conditioner hurts your wallet more 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 air conditioning expenses. The savings capacity of this purchase is even greater if you’re prepared 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 cost savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Atlanta With Help From Peachtree Service Experts
At Peachtree Service Experts, we go above and beyond the expected to deliver133 top-notch HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our top-quality 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 cooling expenses, please reach out to the Experts at Peachtree Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 678-235-9699!