15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you burdened by skyrocketing utility costs this summer? To cut AC costs without sacrificing 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

Trimming air conditioning expenditures may be easier than you imagine. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly electricity bills:

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto 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 need for air conditioning.

2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your cooling costs for each degree you raise the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a tad 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 aren’t in the area lowers the interior heat gain your air conditioner must combat.

4. Use appliances strategically: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool point of the day. This approach lightens your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, bringing down 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 invest a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your air conditioning spending. Here are some wallet-friendly enhancements to consider:

6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature depending on your routine. You can slash AC costs 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 experience these savings without aggravation or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning requires scheduled checkups to ensure it runs properly 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 expense provides a tremendous return on investment through greater efficiency and can lengthen the unit’s life.

8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors cause about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, decreasing solar heat gain. This affordable upgrade is a great way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.

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

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re ready to make more significant changes, consider the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can leak through the ceiling if your attic has not been adequately insulated. Take a look 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 have, you may 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 blocks 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, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with advanced 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-day 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your cooling expenses. 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 AC unit and other electric appliances. The ongoing expense reductions, 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 go above and beyond the expected to provide excellent 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 confident backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help reduce your summer AC expenditures, please reach out to the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!