15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

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

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Cutting cooling expenditures 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 hits standard double-pane windows enters as heat. By closing 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 AC expenses for each degree you raise the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a little 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 a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you leave the room decreases the interior heat gain your air conditioner must combat.

4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the coolest point of the day. This technique reduces your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and maximizing home comfort.

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

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your AC spending. Here are some wallet-friendly improvements to consider:

6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature depending on 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 per day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without hassle or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner needs regular checkups to ensure it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to detect and fix little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a significant return on investment through improved efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.

8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those troublesome 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 affordable upgrade is an ideal way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and consume considerably 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 prepared to make more substantial modifications, 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 has not been sufficiently insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what kind of insulation you have, 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 creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling demands.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, making your HVAC system to work harder. Buying new double- or triple-pane windows with advanced glazing features improves your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.

14. Upgrade your AC system: Operating 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 cooling bills. The savings capacity 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 HVAC and other electric appliances. The ongoing expense reductions, 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 deliver 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 expenses, please reach out to the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!