Are you weighed down by escalating utility expenses this summer? To reduce AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven strategies to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Lowering AC costs may be easier than you think. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows comes into the building as heat. By closing out the sun with 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 cooling expenses for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try turning up the temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.
3. Switch off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, make a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you aren't in the room reduces the interior heat gain your air conditioner must combat.
4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the coolest part of the day. This approach relieves some of your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, minimizing your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to diminish the workload on your cooling system.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your air conditioning expenses. Here are some wallet-friendly improvements to consider:
6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your schedule. You can slash AC expenditures 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 inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner should have routine checkups to make certain it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to detect and solve small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a tremendous return on investment through improved efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors cause approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, decreasing solar heat gain. This budget-friendly upgrade is a very good way to improve 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 qualities help keep your home more comfortable and lower lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re prepared93 to make more extensive changes, you may want to make the following investments to cut air conditioning costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can leak through the ceiling if your attic is not sufficiently insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what kind of insulation you choose, you may 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 lowering your cooling demands.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a large amount of heat, requiring your air conditioner to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with advanced glazing features improves your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Running an aging air conditioner hurts your wallet more than you might think. Upgrading from a decade-old 10 SEER model to a modern-day 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your AC costs. The savings capacity of this purchase is even more 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 appliances. The ongoing savings, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial investment.
Save More on Your AC in Edmonton With Help From Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we go above and beyond the expected to provide133 top-notch HVAC services that help cut 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 minimize your summer AC costs, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule your appointment today by calling 587-404-0790!