15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs
Are you weighed down by escalating utility costs this summer? To slash AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested strategies to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Lowering cooling costs may be easier than you imagine. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that hits 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 necessity for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your AC expenses for each degree you raise the temperature. Try cranking up the temperature on your thermostat a little 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, produce a whole lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the area 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 cooler time of the day. This strategy lightens your AC’s workload 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 air conditioner.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your air conditioning expenses. Here are some cost-effective improvements to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature based 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 each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can enjoy these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC requires scheduled checkups to ensure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to identify and deal with minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a significant return on investment through increased efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those irritating 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 budget-friendly upgrade is a very good way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and consume a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes 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, explore the following investments to cut air conditioning costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic isn’t properly insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you select, you may 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 generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling requirements.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, requiring your HVAC system to work harder. Installing double- or triple-pane windows with province-of-the-art glazing features increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Operating an aging air conditioner is more expensive 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 cooling bills. The savings potential of this purchase is even more if you’re able to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to run your air conditioner and other electric devices. The ongoing cost savings, coupled with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in Edmonton With Help From Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we go the extra mile to provide 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 very comfortable backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help lower your summer cooling expenses, please reach out to the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule your appointment by calling 587-404-0790 today!