Are you burdened by increasing utility bills this summer? To reduce AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven techniques to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming air conditioning expenditures may be easier than you imagine. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly utility bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By blocking out the sun with insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you lessen 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 AC bills for each degree you increase the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a tad higher than usual and using a fan to make up the difference.
3. Switch off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, produce a lot of heat. Turning them off when you aren't in the room decreases the interior heat gain your air conditioning must combat.
4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool point of the day. This technique lightens your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and maximizing home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate 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 expenses. Here are some cost-effective enhancements 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 activities. You can slash AC bills 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 AC requires scheduled checkups to make sure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to detect and resolve small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a substantial return on investment through greater efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those irritating leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, decreasing solar heat gain. This wallet-friendly upgrade is an ideal way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and utilize a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home from getting warm and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more substantial improvements, you may want to make 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. Look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what type of insulation you select, you could need to contact 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 a lot of heat, making your air conditioner to work harder. Installing double- or triple-pane windows with innovative glazing features improves your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Using an aging air conditioner is more expensive 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 AC costs. The savings opportunities 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 power your HVAC and other electric appliances. The ongoing savings, coupled with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in Charlotte With Help From Komfort Air Service Experts
At Komfort Air Service Experts, we go above and beyond the expected to deliver133 exceptional HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our premium 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 cooling costs, please reach out to the Experts at Komfort Air Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 704-705-8135!