Are you burdened by increasing utility expenses this summer? To cut AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving behaviors, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested strategies to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming AC expenditures may be easier than you think. Here are some absolutely 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 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 establishing a temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.
3. Flip off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, produce a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the room reduces 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 cool point of the day. This strategy relieves some of your AC’s burden 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 reduce the workload on your AC.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to part with a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your cooling costs. Here are some affordable improvements to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature based on your schedule. You can cut AC costs 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 experience these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC should have scheduled checkups to make certain it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to detect and deal with minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a tremendous return on investment through increased efficiency and can lengthen the unit's life.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors cause about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those pesky leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, decreasing solar heat gain. This budget-friendly 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 produce almost no heat and use a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home more comfortable and lower lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more extensive improvements, explore the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic isn’t adequately insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what type 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 generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling demands.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit 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 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 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 power your air conditioner and other electric appliances. The ongoing expense reductions, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial investment.
Save More on Your AC in Tulsa With Help From Jack Nelson Service Experts
At Jack Nelson Service Experts, we go above and beyond the expected to deliver133 excellent HVAC services that help cut 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 reach out to the Experts at Jack Nelson Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 918-212-8927!