15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Clearwater
Are you weighed down by escalating utility costs this summer? To cut AC costs without sacrificing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven strategies to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming air conditioning expenses may be easier than you imagine. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly power 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 blocking 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 demand for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your AC expenses for each degree you raise the temperature. Try setting 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, create a lot of heat. Turning them off when you aren't in the area lowers the interior heat gain your air conditioner must combat.
4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the coolest point of the day. This approach reduces your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, minimizing your bill and maximizing home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Get rid of heat and humidity while cooking and showering to diminish the workload on your air conditioning.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to part with a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your air conditioning expenses. Here are some low-cost enhancements to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature depending on your activities. You can trim AC bills by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC needs routine checkups to ensure it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to find and fix small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a significant return on investment through greater efficiency and can lengthen the unit's life.
8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Use 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 increase your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and use a lot 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 prepared93 to make more significant modifications, explore 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. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what type of insulation you choose, 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 reduces sunlight and produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a lot of heat, forcing your AC to work harder. Installing double- or triple-pane windows with innovative glazing features elevates your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Operating an aging air conditioner is more costly than you might think. Upgrading from a decade-old 10 SEER model to a modern 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your air conditioning expenses. The savings capacity 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 run your AC unit and other electric appliances. The ongoing cost savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Clearwater With Help From Midway Services
At Midway Services, we go above and beyond the expected to provide133 excellent HVAC services that help cut 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 lower your summer cooling expenses, please contact the Experts at Midway Services. Schedule your appointment today by calling 727-219-2471!