15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in West Chester

Are you stressed by escalating utility bills this summer? To reduce AC costs without sacrificing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested techniques to consider.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Lowering AC costs may be easier than you suspect. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that hits 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 demand 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 running a fan to make up the difference.

3. Flip off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, create a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you leave the area reduces 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 strategy lightens your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and maximizing home comfort.

5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate 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 part with a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your cooling costs. Here are some cost-effective improvements to consider:

6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature based on your daily schedule. You can trim AC costs by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner needs routine checkups to ensure it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to detect and fix small 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 many homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those pesky leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Install reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, decreasing solar heat gain. This wallet-friendly upgrade is a great way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and utilize considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home cooler and reduce lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re looking93 to make more extensive improvements, consider the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can leak through the ceiling if your attic isn’t properly insulated. Take a look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you select, you may need to contact 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 generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling requirements.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, requiring your HVAC system to work harder. Buying new 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: Using 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 costs. The savings opportunities 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 power your AC unit and other electric appliances. The ongoing cost savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.

Save More on Your AC in West Chester With Help From Wesley Wood Service Experts

At Wesley Wood Service Experts, we make the extra step to make sure our customers get133 exceptional HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our high-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 lower your summer air conditioning expenditures, please contact the Experts at Wesley Wood Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 484-401-7577!