Are you burdened by escalating utility bills this summer? To slash 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 techniques to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming air conditioning expenses may be easier than you suspect. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly electricity bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By shutting 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 necessity for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your air conditioning bills for each degree you raise the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a bit 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 whole lot of heat. Turning them off when you aren't in the area decreases the interior heat gain your AC must combat.
4. Use appliances wisely: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool point of the day. This technique reduces your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate 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 cooling costs. Here are some wallet-friendly improvements to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts 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 per day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can appreciate these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC should have regular checkups to ensure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to find and deal with little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a significant return on investment through greater 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 around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those troublesome 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 budget-friendly upgrade is a very good way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and consume far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home cooler and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more substantial changes, explore the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic has not been adequately insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you have, you might 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 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, making your HVAC system to work harder. Buying new 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 hurts your wallet more 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 AC costs. The savings capacity of this purchase is even greater if you’re willing to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to operate your cooling system and other electric devices. The ongoing cost savings, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in Hurricane With Help From Teays Valley Service Experts
At Teays Valley Service Experts, we go above and beyond the expected to deliver133 exceptional HVAC services that help decrease air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our top-quality products, Expert knowledge and attention to detail, we feel secure backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help minimize your summer air conditioning costs, please get in touch with the Experts at Teays Valley Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 304-760-5088!