15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you burdened by escalating utility bills this summer? To cut AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested strategies to consider.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Cutting AC costs may be easier than you imagine. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly utility bills:

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto standard double-pane windows enters as heat. By closing out the sun by pulling insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you lower 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 expenses 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, make a whole lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the space lowers the interior heat gain your AC must combat.

4. Use appliances strategically: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the coolest part of the day. This approach lightens your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and improving home comfort.

5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Get rid of heat and humidity while cooking and showering to diminish the workload on your cooling system.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your cooling spending. Here are some wallet-friendly upgrades to consider:

6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature based on your daily schedule. You can trim AC expenditures 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 hassle or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning needs regular checkups to make certain it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to identify and solve small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a significant return on investment through improved efficiency and can lengthen the unit’s life.

8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind about 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 outdoors, reducing solar heat gain. This wallet-friendly upgrade is a great way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and use far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home from getting warm 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 air conditioning costs in the long run:

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic is not properly insulated. Peer 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 select, 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 blocks sunlight and generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling demands.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, making your air conditioner to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with state-of-the-art glazing features increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.

14. Upgrade your AC system: Running an aging air conditioner costs more 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 air conditioning costs. 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 HVAC and other electric equipment. The ongoing cost savings, coupled with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial 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 provide top-notch 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 secure backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help reduce your summer AC expenses, please get in touch with the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!