15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you burdened by escalating utility costs this summer? To reduce AC costs without sacrificing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven strategies to consider.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Cutting AC expenditures may be easier than you imagine. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly power 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 shutting out the sun by pulling insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you lower solar heat gain in the afternoon and reduce the demand for air conditioning.

2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your cooling bills for each degree you raise the temperature. Try cranking up the temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and using a fan to make up the difference.

3. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, make a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you leave the area reduces the interior heat gain your air conditioner 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 strategy reduces your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and boosting home comfort.

5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Get rid of 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 greater dent in your air conditioning costs. Here are some cost-effective upgrades to consider:

6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature according to your daily schedule. You can slash AC bills by up to 10 percent by turning the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can enjoy these savings without hassle or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC requires regular checkups to make certain it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to identify and resolve minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a tremendous return on investment through improved efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.

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

9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, limiting solar heat gain. This budget-friendly upgrade is a great 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 considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home from getting warm and cut down on lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

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

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic isn’t properly insulated. Peer 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 have, 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 creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling requirements.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, requiring your air conditioner to work harder. Buying new double- or triple-pane windows with advanced glazing features increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.

14. Upgrade your AC system: Operating 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 air conditioning expenses. 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 cooling system and other electric equipment. The ongoing expense reductions, 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 go above and beyond the expected to make sure our customers get top-notch HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our top-quality 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 AC expenditures, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!