Are you weighed down by skyrocketing utility costs this summer? To slash AC costs without sacrificing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven strategies to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Lowering AC expenditures may be easier than you suspect. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly electricity bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto standard double-pane windows comes into the building as heat. By shutting out the sun with insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you minimize solar heat gain in the afternoon and reduce the demand for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your cooling expenses for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a little 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 a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you leave the space lowers 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 cooler part of the day. This technique relieves some of your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, minimizing your bill and maximizing home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove 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 greater dent in your cooling expenses. Here are some wallet-friendly enhancements to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature depending on your routine. You can slash AC expenditures by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can enjoy these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning requires regular checkups to make certain it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to detect and take care of minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a substantial return on investment through greater efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors cause around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, limiting solar heat gain. This affordable upgrade is a very good way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and consume 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 prepared93 to make more significant improvements, explore the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic isn’t sufficiently insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what kind 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 obstructs sunlight and creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling requirements.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, requiring your HVAC system to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with state-of-the-art glazing features elevates your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Running an aging air conditioner hurts your wallet more 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 cooling expenses. The savings capacity of this purchase is even more if you’re able to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to operate your cooling system and other electric appliances. The ongoing cost savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Windsor With Help From Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts
At Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts, we go above and beyond the expected to provide133 exceptional HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our top-quality 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 cooling costs, please contact the Experts at Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 226-773-3357!