Are you burdened by increasing utility bills this summer? To reduce AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, 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 imagine. 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 beats down on standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By closing 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 cooling costs for each degree you raise 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. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, produce a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the room reduces the interior heat gain your air conditioning 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 reduces your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, minimizing your bill and maximizing home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to cut down the workload on your AC.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your AC costs. Here are some cost-effective upgrades to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature according to your activities. You can slash AC expenditures 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 inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning requires regular checkups to make sure it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to detect and solve minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a substantial return on investment through improved efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, reducing solar heat gain. This wallet-friendly upgrade is a very good way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and consume far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home from getting warm and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more substantial improvements, you may want to make the following investments to cut air conditioning costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can leak through the ceiling if your attic isn’t adequately insulated. Take a look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you choose, 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 creates 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, making your AC to work harder. Installing 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: Running an aging air conditioner is more expensive 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 potential 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 cooling system and other electric devices. The ongoing cost savings, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in Grand Island With Help From McElroy Service Experts
At McElroy Service Experts, we make the extra step to deliver133 exceptional HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our high-quality 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 air conditioning expenses, please reach out to the Experts at McElroy Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 308-210-4398!