15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you weighed down by increasing utility expenses 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 AC expenditures may be easier than you suspect. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly electricity bills:

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows goes into the building as heat. By shutting 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 necessity for air conditioning.

2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your AC bills for each degree you increase the temperature. Try establishing a temperature on your thermostat a little higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.

3. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, make a whole lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the area lowers the interior heat gain your air conditioning must combat.

4. Use appliances strategically: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the coolest part of the day. This technique reduces 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 air conditioning expenses. Here are some low-cost enhancements to consider:

6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature depending on your routine. You can slash AC bills by up to 10 percent by turning the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without hassle or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning needs regular checkups to make sure it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to detect and resolve small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a substantial return on investment through greater efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.

8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, limiting solar heat gain. This affordable upgrade is an ideal way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and consume considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home from getting warm and cut down on lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re looking to make more substantial improvements, explore 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 properly insulated. Take a look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what type of insulation you have, 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 blocks sunlight and creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling needs.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, forcing your AC to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with innovative glazing features elevates your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.

14. Upgrade your AC system: Operating an aging air conditioner is more costly 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 air conditioning costs. The savings potential of this purchase is even greater if you’re willing to invest more up front.

15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to run your AC unit and other electric devices. The ongoing savings, 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 above and beyond the expected to deliver 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 very comfortable backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help lower your summer air conditioning expenses, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!