15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you weighed down by escalating utility costs this summer? To cut AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving behaviors, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 effective techniques to try.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

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

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows gets 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 need for air conditioning.

2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your AC bills for each degree you raise the temperature. Try establishing a temperature on your thermostat a tad higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.

3. Flip 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 decreases 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 coolest time of the day. This strategy relieves some of your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, bringing down 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 AC.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

If you’re willing to part with a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your air conditioning spending. Here are some cost-effective improvements to consider:

6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature depending on your schedule. You can trim AC costs by up to 10 percent by turning the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning needs routine checkups to make certain it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to find and fix minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a substantial return on investment through greater efficiency and can lengthen the unit’s life.

8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those pesky 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 wallet-friendly upgrade is a very good way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and consume far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home from getting warm and cut down on lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re looking to make more significant improvements, you may want to make the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic has not been sufficiently insulated. Take a look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what type of insulation you have, 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 obstructs sunlight and produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling demands.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, making 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 hurts your wallet more 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 cooling bills. The savings capacity of this purchase is even higher if you’re prepared to invest more up front.

15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to run your AC unit and other electric devices. The ongoing expense reductions, together 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 make the extra step to deliver 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 confident backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help reduce your summer AC costs, please get in touch with the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!