Are you weighed down by escalating utility expenses this summer? To slash AC costs without sacrificing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven tips to consider.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Cutting AC costs may be easier than you think. 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 beats down on standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By closing out the sun with insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you lessen 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 bills for each degree you increase the temperature. Try establishing a temperature on your thermostat a little 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, create a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you aren't in the space 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 cooler point of the day. This approach relieves some of your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Get rid of heat and humidity while cooking and showering to cut down the workload on your air conditioner.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your AC spending. Here are some low-cost upgrades to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature based on your activities. You can trim AC expenditures by up to 10 percent by turning the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without hassle or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning should have scheduled checkups to make certain it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to find and resolve minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a tremendous return on investment through increased efficiency and can lengthen the unit's life.
8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those pesky leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, reducing solar heat gain. This budget-friendly upgrade is a great way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and utilize a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home from getting warm and reduce lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re prepared93 to make more substantial modifications, explore the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can leak through the ceiling if your attic is not adequately insulated. Look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what kind of insulation you have, you might need to contact 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 generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a large amount of heat, forcing your AC to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with innovative glazing features improves your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Running an aging air conditioner costs 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 cooling bills. The savings potential of this purchase is even higher if you’re willing to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to operate your air conditioner and other electric equipment. The ongoing savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial investment.
Save More on Your AC in Denver With Help From Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we go above and beyond the expected to provide133 excellent 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 very comfortable backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help reduce your summer cooling expenses, please get in touch with the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule your appointment today by calling 303-647-5853!