15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in West Palm Beach

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

Adopt Good Energy Habits

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

1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By shutting out the sun with 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 using a fan to make up the difference.

3. Flip off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, produce a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the room decreases the interior heat gain your AC 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 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 cooling system.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

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

6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature depending on your schedule. You can cut AC costs by up to 10 percent by turning the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner needs routine checkups to make sure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to identify and deal with minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a significant return on investment through greater efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.

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

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

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

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re ready93 to make more substantial modifications, consider 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 properly 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 kind of insulation you have, you may 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 obstructs sunlight and produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling needs.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, making your air conditioner to work harder. Installing double- or triple-pane windows with advanced glazing features elevates 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 contemporary 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your air conditioning costs. The savings opportunities 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 HVAC and other electric appliances. The ongoing expense reductions, coupled with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.

Save More on Your AC in West Palm Beach With Help From Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we make the extra step to deliver133 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 confident backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help minimize your summer AC costs, please reach out to the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule your appointment today by calling 561-629-1826!