15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Roanoke
Are you burdened by escalating utility bills this summer? To reduce AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 effective strategies to consider.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming AC costs may be easier than you suspect. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto standard double-pane windows enters as heat. By shutting 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 need for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your air conditioning costs for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try turning up the temperature on your thermostat a little higher than usual and using a fan to make up the difference.
3. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, produce a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you leave the space lowers 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 cool time of the day. This technique lightens your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, minimizing your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove 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 expenses. Here are some cost-effective improvements to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature based on your schedule. You can cut AC bills 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 enjoy these savings without hassle or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning needs regular checkups to make sure it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to identify and solve little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a substantial return on investment through improved efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those irritating leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, decreasing solar heat gain. This economical upgrade is a very good way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and use far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home cooler and lower lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more substantial improvements, you may want to make the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic is not properly insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what kind of insulation you choose, 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 blocks sunlight and produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling demands.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a lot of heat, requiring your air conditioner 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 contemporary 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 operate your cooling system and other electric devices. The ongoing cost savings, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Roanoke 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 superior products, Expert knowledge and attention to detail, we feel confident backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help minimize your summer air conditioning expenses, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule your appointment today by calling 540-302-8645!
