15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you stressed by skyrocketing utility bills this summer? To reduce AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 effective techniques to consider.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Lowering air conditioning expenditures may be easier than you imagine. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly power bills:

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows goes into the building as heat. By blocking out the sun by pulling insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you lower 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 costs for each degree you raise the temperature. Try cranking up the temperature on your thermostat a little 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, make a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you leave 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 coolest point of the day. This approach relieves some of your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and improving home comfort.

5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate 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 AC expenses. Here are some wallet-friendly enhancements to consider:

6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature depending on your daily schedule. You can slash AC expenditures 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 inconvenience or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner should have regular checkups to make sure it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to find and deal with little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a significant 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 about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, reducing solar heat gain. This wallet-friendly upgrade is an ideal way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and use considerably 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 prepared to make more extensive changes, 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 isn’t properly insulated. Take a 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 type of insulation you select, 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 obstructs sunlight and creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling requirements.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, requiring your AC to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with innovative glazing features elevates your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.

14. Upgrade your AC system: Operating an aging air conditioner costs 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 costs. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even higher if you’re willing to invest more up front.

15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your air conditioner and other electric devices. The ongoing savings, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial 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 the extra mile to deliver top-notch 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 confident backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help lower your summer AC expenses, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!