15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Tempe
Are you weighed down by skyrocketing utility expenses this summer? To slash AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 effective techniques to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming AC costs may be easier than you think. Here are some absolutely 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 gets into the building as heat. By blocking out the sun with insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you minimize 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 raise the temperature. Try turning 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, produce quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the area reduces the interior heat gain your air conditioner must combat.
4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool point of the day. This strategy lightens your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and maximizing home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove 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 invest a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your AC spending. Here are some low-cost improvements to consider:
6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your schedule. You can cut AC costs by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can enjoy these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning requires routine checkups to make certain it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to find and deal with minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a significant 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 around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those irritating 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 updating them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and use far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home more comfortable and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re prepared93 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 has not been adequately 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 form 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 obstructs sunlight and produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a lot of heat, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. Installing 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 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 higher if you’re prepared to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to operate your air conditioner and other electric equipment. The ongoing expense reductions, coupled with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Tempe With Help From Orangutan Home Services
At Orangutan Home Services, we go the extra mile to provide133 exceptional HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our superior 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 costs, please reach out to the Experts at Orangutan Home Services. Schedule your appointment today by calling 602-906-0111!
