15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you burdened by increasing utility bills this summer? To cut AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 effective techniques to consider.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Lowering AC expenses may be easier than you imagine. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that hits 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 AC bills for each degree you increase 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. Switch off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, produce a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you leave the room decreases 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 coolest time of the day. This approach lightens your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, minimizing your bill and maximizing home comfort.

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

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

If you’re willing to part with a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your AC spending. Here are some affordable enhancements to consider:

6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature according to your schedule. You can trim AC bills by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning needs scheduled checkups to make certain it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to detect and deal with little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a significant return on investment through greater efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.

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

9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, decreasing solar heat gain. This wallet-friendly upgrade is a very good way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and use a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home from getting warm and reduce lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re looking to make more extensive changes, consider the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic is not sufficiently insulated. Look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you select, you could 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 needs.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, requiring your HVAC system to work harder. Buying new 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 is more costly 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 bills. The savings potential of this purchase is even higher if you’re prepared to invest more up front.

15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to operate your air conditioner and other electric equipment. The ongoing expense reductions, 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 make the extra step to provide excellent HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our premium 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 reduce your summer air conditioning expenditures, please get in touch with the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!