15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you weighed down by skyrocketing utility expenses this summer? To slash AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven strategies to use.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

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

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on 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 air conditioning expenses for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try establishing a temperature on your thermostat a tad 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, make a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the space reduces the interior heat gain your air conditioning must combat.

4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cooler point of the day. This approach relieves some of your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and maximizing home comfort.

5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to reduce the workload on your air conditioning.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your air conditioning costs. Here are some wallet-friendly improvements to consider:

6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature according to your schedule. You can slash AC bills by up to 10 percent by dialing the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can appreciate these savings without aggravation or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner requires routine checkups to make sure it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to detect and deal with little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a tremendous return on investment through increased efficiency and can lengthen the unit’s life.

8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors cause around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Install reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, limiting solar heat gain. This budget-friendly upgrade is an ideal way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and consume far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home more comfortable and lower lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re prepared to make more substantial modifications, consider the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep 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, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what type of insulation you select, 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 obstructs sunlight and produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling needs.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, requiring your HVAC system to work harder. Installing double- or triple-pane windows with state-of-the-art glazing features increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.

14. Upgrade your AC system: Using an aging air conditioner hurts your wallet more than you might think. Upgrading from a decade-old 10 SEER model to a modern-day 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your AC costs. The savings capacity of this purchase is even higher 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 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 make the extra step to provide excellent HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our premium 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 minimize your summer air conditioning costs, please reach out to the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!