15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you burdened by skyrocketing utility expenses this summer? To slash AC costs without sacrificing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested techniques to use.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Lowering cooling expenses may be easier than you think. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly electricity bills:

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto 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 necessity for air conditioning.

2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your air conditioning bills for each degree you raise the temperature. Try cranking up the temperature on your thermostat a tad 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, create quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you aren’t in the space decreases the interior heat gain your air conditioning must combat.

4. Use appliances strategically: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cooler point of the day. This approach reduces your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and improving 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 conditioning.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your air conditioning costs. Here are some cost-effective enhancements to consider:

6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature according to your routine. You can cut AC costs 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 experience these savings without hassle or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC requires scheduled checkups to make certain it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to detect and resolve minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a substantial return on investment through improved efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.

8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, reducing solar heat gain. This budget-friendly upgrade is a very good way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.

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

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

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

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can leak through the ceiling if your attic isn’t sufficiently insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you have, you could 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 reduces sunlight and generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling needs.

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 state-of-the-art glazing features increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.

14. Upgrade your AC system: Running an aging air conditioner is more expensive 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 air conditioning bills. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even greater if you’re prepared to invest more up front.

15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to run your air conditioner and other electric equipment. The ongoing savings, 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 go the extra mile to make sure our customers get top-notch HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our premium 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 expenses, please get in touch with the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!