15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs
Are you stressed by increasing utility bills 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
Lowering cooling expenses may be easier than you suspect. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly utility bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto standard double-pane windows goes 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 cooling bills for each degree you raise the temperature. Try setting 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, make quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you aren’t in the space lowers 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 cooler point of the day. This technique relieves some of your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and boosting 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 air conditioner.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your air conditioning costs. Here are some affordable upgrades to consider:
6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature based on your schedule. You can trim AC expenditures by up to 10 percent by dialing 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 AC needs regular checkups to make sure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to detect and fix minor 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 many homes, leaky windows and doors cause approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those pesky leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, decreasing solar heat gain. This budget-friendly upgrade is a great way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and use considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home cooler and lower lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re prepared to make more substantial modifications, you may want to make 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. Look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you choose, you might 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 cutting down on your cooling requirements.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, requiring your AC to work harder. Installing double- or triple-pane windows with innovative glazing features improves your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Operating 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 AC costs. The savings capacity 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 run your cooling system 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 Windsor With Help From Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts
At Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts, we make the extra step to make sure our customers get exceptional 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 reduce your summer air conditioning expenses, please get in touch with the Experts at Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts. Schedule your appointment by calling 226-773-3357 today!