15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you weighed down by increasing utility bills this summer? To cut AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven tips to try.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Cutting air conditioning expenditures may be easier than you suspect. 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 streams onto standard double-pane windows goes into the building 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 AC expenses for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try cranking up the temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and using a fan to make up the difference.

3. Switch off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, make a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you aren’t in the space decreases the interior heat gain your air conditioner must combat.

4. Use appliances strategically: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cooler part 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 diminish the workload on your air conditioning.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

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

6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature according to your schedule. You can cut AC costs by up to 10 percent by dialing the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without aggravation or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC requires routine checkups to make sure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to identify and take care of little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a tremendous return on investment through increased efficiency and can lengthen the unit’s life.

8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for about 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 outdoors, limiting solar heat gain. This economical upgrade is an ideal 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 a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home more comfortable and reduce lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re ready to make more substantial modifications, you may want to make the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic is not sufficiently insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what kind of insulation you select, you might 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 blocks sunlight and creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling requirements.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a lot of heat, making your AC 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: Running an aging air conditioner is more costly 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 bills. The savings potential of this purchase is even greater if you’re able to invest more up front.

15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to run your air conditioner and other electric appliances. The ongoing expense reductions, 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 make sure our customers get exceptional HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our premium 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 reduce your summer cooling costs, please get in touch with the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!