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15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you weighed down by increasing utility bills this summer? To slash AC costs without sacrificing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 effective tips to use.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Trimming cooling expenses may be easier than you think. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By closing 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 necessity for air conditioning.

2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your AC 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, produce a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the area lowers the interior heat gain your AC must combat.

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

5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate heat and humidity while cooking and showering to cut down 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 bigger dent in your air conditioning spending. Here are some low-cost enhancements to consider:

6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature depending on your activities. You can slash AC expenditures by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can appreciate these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning needs scheduled checkups to make sure it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to detect and take care of 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 lots of homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Install reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, reducing solar heat gain. This budget-friendly upgrade is a great way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and utilize far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home from getting warm and cut down on lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re looking to make more significant changes, consider 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 is not sufficiently insulated. Peer 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 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 obstructs sunlight and produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling needs.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, requiring your air conditioner 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 potential 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 operate your HVAC and other electric appliances. The ongoing savings, coupled 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 deliver top-notch HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our premium 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 minimize your summer AC costs, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!

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