15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you burdened by increasing utility bills this summer? To slash AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving behaviors, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven techniques to try.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Lowering air conditioning expenditures may be easier than you imagine. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly power bills:

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows enters as heat. By closing 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 AC expenses for each degree you increase the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a bit higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.

3. Switch off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, make quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you aren’t in the space 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 cooler point of the day. This technique lightens your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and maximizing home comfort.

5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate 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 spend a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your AC costs. Here are some low-cost enhancements to consider:

6. Purchase 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 setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can appreciate these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC should have regular checkups to make sure it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to detect and resolve minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a significant return on investment through increased efficiency and can lengthen the unit’s life.

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

9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, decreasing solar heat gain. This economical upgrade is an ideal way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.

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

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re ready to make more substantial modifications, you may want to make the following investments to cut air conditioning costs in the long run:

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic is not properly insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what kind of insulation you select, you might 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 reduces sunlight and produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling requirements.

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

14. Upgrade your AC system: Using an aging air conditioner is more costly 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 cooling costs. The savings capacity of this purchase is even higher 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 appliances. The ongoing savings, 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 make the extra step to provide 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 AC expenditures, please get in touch with the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!