Are you weighed down by increasing 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 techniques to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Lowering AC 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: Roughly 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 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 increase the temperature. Try establishing a temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.
3. Switch off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, create quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the space lowers the interior heat gain your air conditioner must combat.
4. Use appliances strategically: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cooler part of the day. This approach lightens your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and boosting 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 air conditioning.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your cooling costs. Here are some cost-effective upgrades to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature depending on your activities. You can slash 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 hassle or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner should have regular checkups to ensure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to identify and fix small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a tremendous return on investment through increased efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, decreasing solar heat gain. This budget-friendly upgrade is a great way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and consume a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home more comfortable and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re prepared93 to make more significant modifications, consider the following investments to cut air conditioning costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic isn’t sufficiently insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what type of insulation you select, you might 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 generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with innovative glazing features elevates your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Operating an aging air conditioner hurts your wallet 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 AC costs. The savings potential of this purchase is even more if you’re willing to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your cooling system and other electric appliances. The ongoing savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial investment.
Save More on Your AC in Richmond With Help From Eveready Service Experts
At Eveready Service Experts , we go the extra mile to provide133 top-notch HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our superior products, Expert knowledge and attention to detail, we feel very comfortable backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help lower your summer AC expenditures, please reach out to the Experts at Eveready Service Experts . Schedule your appointment today by calling 804-548-4480!