Are you stressed by escalating utility costs this summer? To cut AC costs without compromising 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
Cutting cooling system expenditures may be easier than you suspect. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows comes 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 AC expenses 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 lot of heat. Turning them off when you aren't in the room decreases the interior heat gain your air conditioning must combat.
4. Use appliances wisely: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool time of the day. This technique lightens your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to reduce the workload on your AC.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your cooling costs. Here are some cost-effective enhancements to consider:
6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature according to 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 appreciate these savings without hassle or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC should have scheduled checkups to make certain it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to detect and resolve small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a substantial return on investment through improved efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors cause approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Install reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, decreasing solar heat gain. This economical upgrade is a great way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and use considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home from getting warm and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re looking93 to make more significant modifications, consider the following investments to cut air conditioning costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic isn’t sufficiently insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what type of insulation you select, you could 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 cutting down on your cooling requirements.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Buying new 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: Using an aging air conditioner hurts your wallet 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 costs. The savings potential of this purchase is even more if you’re able to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your cooling system and other electric devices. The ongoing savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Rochester With Help From Strogen's Service Experts
At Strogen's Service Experts, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers get133 top-notch HVAC services that help cut 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 air conditioning expenditures, please get in touch with the Experts at Strogen's Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 603-923-4570!