Are you stressed by escalating utility bills this summer? To slash AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving behaviors, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 effective strategies to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Cutting AC expenditures may be easier than you suspect. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly utility bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows enters as heat. By shutting out the sun with insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you lessen solar heat gain in the afternoon and reduce the need for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your cooling costs for each degree you increase the temperature. Try turning up the temperature on your thermostat a little 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, make quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the room lowers the interior heat gain your air conditioning must combat.
4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cooler point of the day. This approach relieves some of your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and maximizing home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to diminish 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 greater dent in your air conditioning costs. Here are some cost-effective improvements to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature depending on your daily schedule. You can slash AC bills by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each 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 make certain it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to find and deal with little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a tremendous return on investment through increased efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors cause around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Install reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, decreasing solar heat gain. This wallet-friendly upgrade is a very good way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and use far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home from getting warm and lower lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re looking93 to make more significant changes, explore 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. Peek 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 type of insulation you select, 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 generates 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 HVAC system to work harder. Buying new double- or triple-pane windows with innovative glazing features increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Using an aging air conditioner is more costly 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 AC bills. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even higher if you’re willing to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to run your AC unit and other electric equipment. The ongoing expense reductions, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in Daytona Beach With Help From All American Air Service Experts
At All American Air Service Experts, we go above and beyond the expected to make sure our customers get133 exceptional HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our top-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 cooling costs, please reach out to the Experts at All American Air Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 386-310-2061!