15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you burdened by increasing utility costs this summer? To reduce AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving behaviors, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven techniques to use.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Cutting cooling costs may be easier than you suspect. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly energy 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 blocking out the sun by pulling insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you cut down on solar heat gain in the afternoon and reduce the demand for air conditioning.

2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your air conditioning bills for each degree you raise the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a bit 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 aren’t in the room decreases the interior heat gain your air conditioning must combat.

4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the coolest time of the day. This technique lightens your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, minimizing 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 air conditioning.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

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

6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature according to your daily schedule. You can slash AC expenditures by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can appreciate these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner requires scheduled checkups to make sure it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to detect and take care of little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a tremendous return on investment through improved efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.

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. Seal those annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

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

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and consume considerably 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 looking to make more extensive changes, explore 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 is not adequately insulated. Take a look 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 choose, you may need to employ 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 demands.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, requiring your air conditioner to work harder. Buying new double- or triple-pane windows with advanced glazing features increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.

14. Upgrade your AC system: Running 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 air conditioning expenses. The savings potential 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 HVAC and other electric devices. The ongoing cost savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable 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 deliver top-notch HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our superior 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 lower your summer cooling costs, please reach out to the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!