15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you stressed by increasing utility bills this summer? To reduce AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving behaviors, 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 think. 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 streams onto standard double-pane windows goes into the building as heat. By closing out the sun by pulling insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you lessen 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 bills for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a tad higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.

3. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, create a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you leave 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 cooler time of the day. This strategy lightens 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 cut down the workload on your AC.

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 spending. Here are some cost-effective upgrades to consider:

6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your schedule. You can cut AC bills by up to 10 percent by turning the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without hassle or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning should have routine checkups to make certain it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to find and resolve minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a tremendous return on investment through greater efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.

8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, limiting solar heat gain. This affordable upgrade is a great way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and use a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home more comfortable and lower lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re ready to make more substantial modifications, you may want to make the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic has not been properly insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what type 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 reduces 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 a lot of heat, making your HVAC system to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with 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 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your air conditioning expenses. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even greater 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 equipment. The ongoing expense reductions, coupled 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 go the extra mile to make sure our customers get 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 secure backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help reduce your summer AC expenses, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!