15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you burdened by increasing 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 tried and tested tips to consider.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Cutting cooling costs may be easier than you imagine. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto standard double-pane windows goes into the building as heat. By blocking out the sun by pulling insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you minimize solar heat gain in the afternoon and reduce the necessity 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 cranking up the temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.

3. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, produce a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the room lowers the interior heat gain your AC 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 technique lightens your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, minimizing your bill and maximizing home comfort.

5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Get rid of heat and humidity while cooking and showering to reduce the workload on your AC.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

If you’re willing to part with a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your cooling costs. Here are some affordable enhancements to consider:

6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature based on your activities. You can slash AC expenditures by up to 10 percent by dialing the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner should have regular checkups to ensure it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to identify and deal with little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a tremendous 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 about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, reducing solar heat gain. This budget-friendly upgrade is a very good way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and use a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home from getting warm and cut down on lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re looking to make more extensive changes, you may want to make 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 has not been properly insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what type of insulation you have, you could 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 requirements.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, requiring your AC to work harder. Installing 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: Using an aging air conditioner is more costly 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 cooling bills. The savings capacity of this purchase is even higher if you’re prepared to invest more up front.

15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to operate your AC unit and other electric devices. 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 provide exceptional HVAC services that help decrease 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 air conditioning expenditures, please get in touch with the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!