Are you stressed by increasing utility expenses 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 tried and tested tips to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Cutting air conditioning costs may be easier than you think. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly power bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto standard double-pane windows comes into the building 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 cooling expenses for each degree you increase the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a little higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.
3. Switch off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, make a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the room lowers the interior heat gain your air conditioning must combat.
4. Use appliances strategically: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool time of the day. This strategy lightens your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, minimizing your bill and maximizing 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 conditioning.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to part with a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your AC costs. Here are some affordable upgrades to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature based on your routine. You can cut AC expenditures 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 enjoy these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner should have routine checkups to make sure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to identify and solve minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a substantial return on investment through increased efficiency and can lengthen the unit's life.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Install reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, decreasing solar heat gain. This affordable upgrade is an ideal way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and use 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 looking93 to make more substantial modifications, you may want to make the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic isn’t properly insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, think about 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 obstructs sunlight and creates 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 HVAC system to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with advanced 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 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your cooling expenses. The savings potential of this purchase is even higher if you’re willing to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to run your air conditioner and other electric equipment. The ongoing expense reductions, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial investment.
Save More on Your AC in Charleston With Help From Pardee Service Experts
At Pardee Service Experts, we make the extra step to make sure our customers get133 top-notch HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our high-quality 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 reduce your summer cooling expenses, please reach out to the Experts at Pardee Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 843-410-6103!