Are you burdened by escalating utility expenses this summer? To reduce AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven tips to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming cooling system expenditures may be easier than you suspect. Here are some absolutely 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 comes into the building as heat. By closing 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 AC bills for each degree you raise the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a little 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, produce a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the area reduces the interior heat gain your air conditioning must combat.
4. Use appliances wisely: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the coolest part of the day. This approach reduces your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to cut down the workload on your air conditioner.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your AC expenses. Here are some cost-effective improvements to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature according to your routine. You can slash AC expenditures by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without hassle or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning should have scheduled checkups to make sure it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to detect and solve minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a substantial return on investment through greater efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those annoying 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 wallet-friendly upgrade is an ideal way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and consume considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home more comfortable and lower lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more extensive modifications, explore the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic has not been sufficiently insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you choose, 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 obstructs sunlight and produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with advanced glazing features increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Running an aging air conditioner is more expensive than you might think. Upgrading from a decade-old 10 SEER model to a contemporary 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your air conditioning expenses. The savings potential of this purchase is even higher if you’re able to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your cooling system and other electric equipment. The ongoing expense reductions, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial investment.
Save More on Your AC in Mobile With Help From Climate Control Service Experts
At Climate Control Service Experts, we make the extra step to deliver133 exceptional HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our top-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 reduce your summer AC expenses, please get in touch with the Experts at Climate Control Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 251-202-7503!