15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you weighed down by escalating utility bills this summer? To reduce AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 effective strategies to consider.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Cutting AC expenditures may be easier than you suspect. Here are some absolutely 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 gets into the building as heat. By shutting out the sun by pulling insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you lessen 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 bills for each degree you increase the temperature. Try cranking up the temperature on your thermostat a tad higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.

3. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, make a whole lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the room decreases 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 coolest part of the day. This approach lightens your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and improving home comfort.

5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove 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 larger dent in your AC expenses. Here are some cost-effective upgrades to consider:

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

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning should have routine checkups to ensure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to detect and fix small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a tremendous 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 around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those pesky leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, limiting solar heat gain. This affordable upgrade is a great way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.

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

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re ready to make more extensive improvements, explore the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic is not adequately insulated. Take a look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what type 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 generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling demands.

13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a large amount of heat, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. Buying new double- or triple-pane windows with advanced glazing features improves your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.

14. Upgrade your AC system: Using 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 higher if you’re prepared to invest more up front.

15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your air conditioner and other electric devices. The ongoing expense reductions, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable 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 go the extra mile to make sure our customers get excellent HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our top-quality 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 lower your summer air conditioning costs, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Schedule your appointment by calling 866-397-3787 today!