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 effective tips to try.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Lowering cooling expenditures may be easier than you imagine. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly electricity 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 by pulling 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 air conditioning bills for each degree you elevate 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, produce quite a lot 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 cool part of the day. This technique reduces your AC’s workload 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 cooling system.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your AC expenses. Here are some cost-effective upgrades to consider:

6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature depending on your daily schedule. You can cut AC costs 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 experience these savings without aggravation or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC requires regular checkups to make sure it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to identify and resolve small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a significant return on investment through increased efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.

8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

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

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and consume far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home from getting warm and lower lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re looking to make more significant changes, consider the following investments to cut air conditioning costs in the long run:

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic has not been sufficiently insulated. Look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what kind 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 obstructs sunlight and generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling requirements.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, forcing your AC 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-day 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your cooling expenses. 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 air conditioner and other electric devices. The ongoing savings, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable 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 excellent HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our superior 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 AC expenses, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!