15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you burdened by increasing utility costs this summer? To cut AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested tips to try.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Trimming AC costs may be easier than you imagine. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly electricity bills:

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto standard double-pane windows enters as heat. By blocking out the sun by pulling insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you cut down on 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 elevate the temperature. Try cranking up the temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and using a fan to make up the difference.

3. Flip off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, make a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the room reduces 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 strategy lightens your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and boosting home comfort.

5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate heat and humidity while cooking and showering to reduce the workload on your cooling system.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

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

6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature according to your daily schedule. You can slash AC expenditures 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 conditioner should have regular checkups to ensure it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to identify and take care of small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a tremendous return on investment through greater efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.

8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those irritating leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, decreasing solar heat gain. This budget-friendly upgrade is a great way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and utilize considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home from getting warm and reduce lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re ready to make more significant changes, consider the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic isn’t properly insulated. Peek 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 could need to employ 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 demands.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a lot of heat, requiring your AC to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with 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 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 AC costs. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even more if you’re able to invest more up front.

15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your HVAC and other electric equipment. The ongoing savings, combined 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 the extra mile to deliver exceptional HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our top-quality 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 costs, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!