15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you weighed down by escalating utility expenses 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 try.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Trimming AC expenditures may be easier than you suspect. Here are some totally 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 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 minimize solar heat gain in the afternoon and reduce the need for air conditioning.

2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your air conditioning expenses for each degree you increase the temperature. Try cranking up the temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.

3. Flip off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, create a whole lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the area decreases the interior heat gain your AC must combat.

4. Use appliances strategically: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the coolest time of the day. This technique relieves some of 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 diminish 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 greater dent in your cooling spending. Here are some low-cost improvements to consider:

6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your activities. You can slash AC costs by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can enjoy these savings without aggravation or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning should have regular checkups to make certain it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to find and take care of small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a significant return on investment through improved efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.

8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors cause approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those pesky leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Install reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, reducing solar heat gain. This wallet-friendly upgrade is an ideal way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and consume a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home more comfortable and reduce lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re looking to make more extensive changes, explore 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 has not been adequately insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, think about 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 produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling demands.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with innovative 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 contemporary 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your air conditioning expenses. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even more if you’re willing to invest more up front.

15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to operate your air conditioner and other electric devices. 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 provide top-notch 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 very comfortable backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help lower your summer AC expenses, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!