15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Orlando
Are you burdened by increasing utility expenses this summer? To cut AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven techniques to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming air conditioning costs may be easier than you think. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto 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 expenses for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try establishing a temperature on your thermostat a tad higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.
3. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, produce quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of 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 cooler part of the day. This approach relieves some of your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, minimizing your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Get rid of heat and humidity while cooking and showering to reduce the workload on your AC.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your AC 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 cut AC costs 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 enjoy these savings without hassle or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner requires regular checkups to ensure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to find and solve little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a significant return on investment through improved efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for about 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 outside, reducing solar heat gain. This wallet-friendly upgrade is an ideal 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 properties help keep your home more comfortable and lower lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more extensive 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 seep through the ceiling if your attic is not sufficiently 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 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 creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering 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 improves 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 cooling expenses. The savings potential 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 operate your HVAC and other electric devices. The ongoing expense reductions, coupled with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in Orlando With Help From Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we make the extra step to deliver133 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 very comfortable backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help lower your summer cooling expenses, please reach out to the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule your appointment today by calling 407-329-7661!
