15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you burdened by increasing utility bills 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 strategies to consider.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Lowering AC expenses may be easier than you think. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By shutting 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 necessity for air conditioning.

2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your AC bills for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try cranking up the temperature on your thermostat a little 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, make a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you leave the room 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 cooler part of the day. This technique reduces your AC’s load 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 air conditioner.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

If you’re willing to part with a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your AC costs. Here are some low-cost enhancements to consider:

6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature according to your activities. 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 enjoy these savings without aggravation or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning needs regular checkups to ensure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to identify and fix little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a significant 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 approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, decreasing solar heat gain. This budget-friendly upgrade is a very good way to improve 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 attributes help keep your home more comfortable and cut down on lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re ready to make more substantial modifications, consider the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can leak through the ceiling if your attic is not adequately insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what type 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 obstructs sunlight and produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling demands.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a large amount of heat, forcing 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: Running an aging air conditioner costs 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 cooling bills. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even higher if you’re willing to invest more up front.

15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your cooling system and other electric appliances. The ongoing expense reductions, together 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 go above and beyond the expected to provide excellent HVAC services that help decrease air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our superior 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 contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!