15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you weighed down by escalating utility costs this summer? To cut AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 effective techniques to use.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Lowering cooling expenditures may be easier than you imagine. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By shutting out the sun by pulling insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you cut down on 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 air conditioning costs for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try establishing a temperature on your thermostat a tad higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.

3. Flip off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, create quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you aren’t in the area 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 part of the day. This strategy reduces your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and improving home comfort.

5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove 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 part with a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your air conditioning expenses. Here are some cost-effective enhancements to consider:

6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature depending on your activities. You can trim AC costs by up to 10 percent by turning the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can appreciate these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning needs regular checkups to make certain it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to identify and take care of small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a significant return on investment through greater efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.

8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors cause approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, reducing solar heat gain. This economical upgrade is an ideal way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.

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

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re prepared 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 leak 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, consider adding more. Depending on what type of insulation you choose, 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 blocks sunlight and creates 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 AC to work harder. Buying new double- or triple-pane windows with innovative glazing features increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.

14. Upgrade your AC system: Running 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 air conditioning expenses. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even greater if you’re prepared to invest more up front.

15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to operate your cooling system and other electric equipment. The ongoing expense reductions, combined 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 excellent HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our premium 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 lower your summer air conditioning expenses, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!