15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you weighed down by increasing utility costs this summer? To reduce AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested techniques to try.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Trimming air conditioning expenses may be easier than you think. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly electricity bills:

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 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 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 AC costs for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try establishing a temperature on 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 lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the area reduces 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 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 air conditioning.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your air conditioning costs. Here are some cost-effective upgrades to consider:

6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature according to your activities. You can trim 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 experience these savings without aggravation or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner needs scheduled checkups to ensure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to identify and fix small 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. Seal those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Install reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, reducing solar heat gain. This wallet-friendly upgrade is a great way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and use far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home from getting warm and reduce lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re prepared to make more significant modifications, consider the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can leak through the ceiling if your attic isn’t properly insulated. Take a look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you have, 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 produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling demands.

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 state-of-the-art glazing features improves your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.

14. Upgrade your AC system: Operating an aging air conditioner is more expensive than you might think. Upgrading from a decade-old 10 SEER model to a modern 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your cooling costs. The savings capacity of this purchase is even more if you’re prepared to invest more up front.

15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to run your cooling system and other electric devices. 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 deliver exceptional HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our high-quality 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 cooling expenditures, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!