Are you weighed down by escalating utility bills this summer? To cut AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 effective strategies to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming air conditioning costs may be easier than you think. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly utility bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows enters 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 increase the temperature. Try establishing a temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.
3. Switch 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 air conditioning must combat.
4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool point of the day. This strategy reduces 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 cooling system.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your air conditioning spending. Here are some cost-effective improvements to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature depending on your routine. You can cut AC bills 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 experience these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC requires scheduled checkups to make sure it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to find and fix minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a significant 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 cause around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, limiting solar heat gain. This economical upgrade is an ideal way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and utilize considerably 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 prepared93 to make more significant modifications, consider 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 has not been adequately insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you select, you may need to hire 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 generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a lot of heat, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. Installing double- or triple-pane windows with state-of-the-art glazing features improves your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Running an aging air conditioner is more expensive 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 AC costs. The savings opportunities 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 AC unit and other electric devices. The ongoing expense reductions, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in Elkhart With Help From BW/Cook Service Experts
At BW/Cook Service Experts, we go the extra mile to provide133 exceptional HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our superior 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 air conditioning costs, please get in touch with the Experts at BW/Cook Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 574-218-6404!