Are you stressed by skyrocketing utility bills this summer? To reduce AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven strategies to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming cooling system expenses may be easier than you suspect. 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 enters as heat. By blocking out the sun with insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you minimize 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 air conditioning expenses for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a bit higher than usual and using a fan to make up the difference.
3. Flip 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 space 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 point of the day. This strategy relieves some of your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Get rid of heat and humidity while cooking and showering to cut down 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 larger dent in your air conditioning costs. Here are some low-cost upgrades to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature according to 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 a day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning should have regular checkups to ensure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to detect and solve minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a tremendous return on investment through greater efficiency and can lengthen the unit's life.
8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Install reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, decreasing solar heat gain. This budget-friendly upgrade is a great 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 use considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home from getting warm and reduce lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re looking93 to make more substantial changes, explore the following investments to cut air conditioning costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic isn’t adequately insulated. Take a look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you select, 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 obstructs sunlight and produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling demands.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a lot of heat, requiring your air conditioner to work harder. Installing 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: Using 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 AC costs. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even higher if you’re able 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 cost savings, coupled with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Fort Wayne With Help From Rolf Griffin Service Experts
At Rolf Griffin Service Experts , we go the extra mile to make sure our customers get133 excellent 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 confident backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help minimize your summer air conditioning costs, please get in touch with the Experts at Rolf Griffin Service Experts . Schedule your appointment today by calling 260-557-1275!