Are you weighed down by increasing utility expenses this summer? To cut AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving behaviors, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested techniques to consider.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Cutting cooling system costs may be easier than you think. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly utility bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows comes into the building as heat. By shutting out the sun with insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you lower 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 expenses for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try turning up the temperature on your thermostat a tad higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.
3. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, produce a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you leave the area decreases 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 part of the day. This strategy lightens your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and improving home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate heat and humidity while cooking and showering to diminish the workload on your air conditioner.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your air conditioning costs. Here are some affordable upgrades to consider:
6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature depending on your routine. You can trim AC bills by up to 10 percent by turning the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without hassle or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning requires regular checkups to ensure it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to identify and solve small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a substantial return on investment through improved efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for around 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 exterior, limiting 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 considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home from getting warm and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re prepared93 to make more significant modifications, explore the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can leak through the ceiling if your attic isn’t properly insulated. Look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what type of insulation you have, you may 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 blocks sunlight and produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a lot of heat, making your AC to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with 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: Running an aging air conditioner is more costly 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 potential of this purchase is even higher if you’re prepared to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your AC unit and other electric devices. The ongoing expense reductions, coupled with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial investment.
Save More on Your AC in Columbus With Help From Stevenson Service Experts
At Stevenson Service Experts, we go above and beyond the expected to provide133 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 confident backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help minimize your summer cooling expenses, please contact the Experts at Stevenson Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 614-334-3192!