15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Voorhees
Are you weighed down by skyrocketing utility costs this summer? To slash AC costs without sacrificing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 effective tips to consider.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Cutting air conditioning expenses may be easier than you suspect. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly electricity bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 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 lower solar heat gain in the afternoon and reduce the need 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 turning up the temperature on your thermostat a tad higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.
3. Flip off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, create a whole lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the room reduces the interior heat gain your air conditioner must combat.
4. Use appliances wisely: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cooler time of the day. This technique relieves some of your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, bringing down 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 larger dent in your air conditioning spending. Here are some wallet-friendly improvements to consider:
6. Purchase 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 dialing the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can enjoy these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC requires scheduled checkups to ensure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to identify and solve minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a significant 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 are the culprit behind about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those annoying 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 affordable upgrade is an ideal way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and utilize a lot 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 prepared93 to make more significant modifications, consider 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 isn’t sufficiently 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 select, you may need to employ a professional for the job.
12. Plant trees for natural shade: Planting leafy trees on the south and west sides of your house blocks sunlight and creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, forcing 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: Operating an aging air conditioner is more costly than you might think. Upgrading from a decade-old 10 SEER model to a contemporary 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your AC bills. The savings opportunities 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 run your AC unit and other electric equipment. The ongoing savings, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Voorhees With Help From Atmostemp Service Experts
At Atmostemp Service Experts, we go the extra mile to provide133 top-notch HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our high-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 minimize your summer AC expenditures, please contact the Experts at Atmostemp Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 856-310-4824!
