15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Raleigh
Are you weighed down by escalating utility costs 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 tried and tested techniques to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming air conditioning expenses may be easier than you suspect. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly utility bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows comes into the building as heat. By blocking 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 necessity for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your air conditioning bills for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try establishing a temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.
3. Flip off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, create a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the room reduces the interior heat gain your AC must combat.
4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the coolest part of the day. This technique lightens your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to diminish the workload on your cooling system.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your cooling spending. Here are some affordable enhancements to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature based on your schedule. You can trim AC expenditures by up to 10 percent by dialing the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can appreciate these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner should have regular checkups to make sure it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to find and take care of minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a significant return on investment through improved efficiency and can lengthen the unit's life.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those pesky 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 budget-friendly upgrade is a great way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and consume a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home more comfortable and lower lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re prepared93 to make more substantial changes, 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 is not sufficiently insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what kind of insulation you choose, you could 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 creates 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, making your HVAC system to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with 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: Operating an aging air conditioner hurts your wallet more 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 bills. The savings capacity 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 valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Raleigh With Help From Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we go above and beyond the expected to provide133 top-notch HVAC services that help decrease air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our high-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 AC expenses, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule your appointment today by calling 919-578-4329!
