15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you burdened by skyrocketing utility bills this summer? To cut AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 effective tips to try.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

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

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows goes into the building as heat. By blocking out the sun by pulling 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 AC bills for each degree you raise the temperature. Try cranking up the temperature on your thermostat a tad higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.

3. Switch off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, create a lot of heat. Turning them off when you aren’t in the space decreases 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 cooler time of the day. This approach relieves some of your AC’s load 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 reduce the workload on your AC.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your cooling costs. Here are some wallet-friendly enhancements to consider:

6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature according to your daily schedule. You can slash AC costs by up to 10 percent by dialing 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 air conditioner requires regular checkups to make certain it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to identify and fix minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a substantial return on investment through increased 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 annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

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

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and utilize considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home cooler and reduce lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re prepared to make more extensive modifications, explore the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic is not adequately insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you select, 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 lot of heat, forcing 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: Running an aging air conditioner costs 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 AC expenses. The savings opportunities 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 equipment. The ongoing cost savings, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial 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 make the extra step to provide exceptional HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our premium 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 AC expenditures, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!