15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Ocala
Are you burdened by escalating utility bills this summer? To cut AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven techniques to consider.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Lowering air conditioning costs may be easier than you suspect. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly utility bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto standard double-pane windows enters as heat. By closing out the sun with insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you cut down on 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 AC expenses for each degree you increase the temperature. Try turning up the temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.
3. Switch off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, produce a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the area reduces 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 time of the day. This approach reduces your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and improving home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate 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 spend a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your air conditioning expenses. Here are some cost-effective upgrades to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. You can trim AC costs by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can appreciate these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning requires routine 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 substantial return on investment through increased efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors cause about 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 outside, decreasing solar heat gain. This affordable upgrade is a great way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and utilize considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home from getting warm and lower lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more substantial modifications, you may want to make 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 is not sufficiently insulated. Look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you have, you may need to hire 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 produces 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, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Buying new double- or triple-pane windows with state-of-the-art 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 AC bills. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even more if you’re prepared to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to run your AC unit and other electric equipment. The ongoing expense reductions, coupled with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Ocala With Help From Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we go above and beyond the expected to deliver133 exceptional HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our premium 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 lower your summer AC costs, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule your appointment today by calling 352-414-4006!
