15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you burdened by increasing 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 proven tips to consider.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Lowering cooling 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: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By shutting out the sun by pulling 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 costs for each degree you raise the temperature. Try cranking up the temperature on your thermostat a bit 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 quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the area reduces the interior heat gain your air conditioning must combat.

4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool point of the day. This approach lightens your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and improving home comfort.

5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate heat and humidity while cooking and showering to reduce the workload on your AC.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your air conditioning spending. Here are some low-cost enhancements to consider:

6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature according to your daily schedule. You can trim 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 appreciate these savings without hassle or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner needs routine checkups to make certain it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to find and take care of minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a tremendous return on investment through greater efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.

8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those pesky leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, reducing solar heat gain. This economical upgrade is an ideal way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and use a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home cooler and cut down on lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

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

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic is not adequately insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you have, 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 reduces sunlight and creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling needs.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a large amount of heat, making your air conditioner to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with advanced glazing features increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.

14. Upgrade your AC system: Using an aging air conditioner costs 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 air conditioning bills. The savings potential of this purchase is even higher if you’re willing to invest more up front.

15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your AC unit and other electric equipment. The ongoing cost savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable 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 provide top-notch HVAC services that help decrease air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our top-quality 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 reduce your summer cooling expenditures, please reach out to the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!

Savings For You

See All Offers Here >
Offer

10% OFF FOR ACTIVE DUTY OR VETERANS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

10% OFF Any Product or Service*
For all Active-Duty, Retired, and Veteran Military Personnel 

  • It’s our way of thanking you for your courage, dedication, and sacrifice to protect our freedom
  • All worked performed by licensed experts, and backed by a written, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Service Experts is proud to be affiliated with Military Makeover and Hiring Our Heroes

print
Offer

THREE LIMITED-TIME WAYS TO SAVE WITH AN ADVANTAGE PROGRAM BUNDLE

  • Bundle two HVAC systems through the Advantage Program and save $20 a month!
  • Bundle an HVAC and a Water Heater or Water Treatment System through the Advantage Program and save $15 a month!
  • Bundle a Water Heater a Water Treatment System or Indoor Air Quality through the Advantage Program and save $10 a month!

print

© 2025 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.

Chat with a Service Experts Professional