15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you burdened by skyrocketing utility expenses this summer? To reduce AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving behaviors, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested tips to consider.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Cutting air conditioning costs may be easier than you suspect. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly power 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 closing 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 need for air conditioning.

2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your air conditioning costs for each degree you raise the temperature. Try establishing a temperature on your thermostat a tad 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, create a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the space decreases 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 time of the day. This approach reduces your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, minimizing 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 AC.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

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

6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature depending on your schedule. You can trim AC expenditures by up to 10 percent by turning the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can appreciate these savings without aggravation or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC requires routine checkups to make sure it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to identify and solve little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a significant return on investment through increased efficiency and can lengthen the unit’s life.

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

9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, limiting solar heat gain. This wallet-friendly upgrade is a great way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and consume considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home more comfortable and cut down on lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re ready to make more significant improvements, explore the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can leak through the ceiling if your attic is not adequately insulated. Look 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 have, you may need to employ 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 needs.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, forcing your AC 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: 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 cooling expenses. The savings potential of this purchase is even greater if you’re able to invest more up front.

15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to operate your HVAC and other electric appliances. The ongoing cost savings, coupled with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile 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 make the extra step to deliver 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 confident backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help reduce your summer cooling expenses, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!