Are you weighed down by increasing utility expenses this summer? To slash AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving behaviors, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested tips to consider.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Cutting cooling system costs may be easier than you imagine. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly electricity 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 cut down on 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 costs for each degree you increase the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a bit 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, create a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you aren't in the space 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 cooler time of the day. This technique lightens your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and maximizing 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 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 costs. Here are some low-cost improvements to consider:
6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your activities. You can cut AC bills 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 appreciate these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner needs scheduled checkups to ensure it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to identify and resolve minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a significant return on investment through improved efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors cause about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those pesky 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 wallet-friendly upgrade is a very good way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and utilize a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home more comfortable and reduce lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re prepared93 to make more extensive improvements, you may want to make the following investments to cut air conditioning costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic has not been sufficiently 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 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 generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a lot of heat, making your HVAC system to work harder. Buying new double- or triple-pane windows with state-of-the-art glazing features elevates your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Running 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 air conditioning costs. The savings capacity 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 operate your cooling system and other electric equipment. The ongoing expense reductions, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial investment.
Save More on Your AC in Jackson With Help From Comfortech Service Experts
At Comfortech Service Experts , we make the extra step to provide133 exceptional 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 secure backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help lower your summer air conditioning expenditures, please reach out to the Experts at Comfortech Service Experts . Schedule your appointment today by calling 601-852-3105!