15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you stressed by skyrocketing utility expenses this summer? To cut AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving behaviors, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested techniques to consider.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Trimming air conditioning expenses may be easier than you suspect. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly power bills:

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows enters as heat. By closing out the sun by pulling insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you minimize 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 increase the temperature. Try cranking up the temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and using a fan to make up the difference.

3. Flip off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, create a whole lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the room decreases 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 part of the day. This technique reduces your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and maximizing 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 conditioner.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

If you’re willing to part with a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your air conditioning expenses. Here are some wallet-friendly improvements to consider:

6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature depending on your routine. You can trim AC expenditures by up to 10 percent by turning the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without hassle or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC should have routine checkups to ensure it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to find and deal with little 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 many homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those irritating leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, decreasing solar heat gain. This wallet-friendly upgrade is a very good way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.

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

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re prepared to make more significant improvements, 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 isn’t properly insulated. Peer 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 form 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 reduces 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 large amount of heat, forcing your AC 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 costs more 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 air conditioning expenses. The savings potential of this purchase is even greater if you’re able to invest more up front.

15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to run your cooling system and other electric devices. The ongoing expense reductions, coupled 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 the extra mile to deliver exceptional HVAC services that help decrease air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our top-quality 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 air conditioning expenditures, please get in touch with the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!