15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs
Are you stressed by increasing utility bills this summer? To slash AC costs without sacrificing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven tips to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming cooling costs may be easier than you imagine. 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 closing out the sun by pulling 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 air conditioning costs for each degree you raise the temperature. Try establishing a temperature on your thermostat a tad 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 lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the space decreases the interior heat gain your air conditioning must combat.
4. Use appliances wisely: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cooler point of the day. This strategy relieves some of your AC’s workload 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 diminish the workload on your cooling system.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to part with a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your cooling expenses. Here are some cost-effective upgrades to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature depending on your schedule. You can slash AC bills by up to 10 percent by dialing the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can appreciate these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning should have regular checkups to make sure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to identify and resolve little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a tremendous return on investment through increased efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those irritating leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, decreasing solar heat gain. This budget-friendly upgrade is a great way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and utilize a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home from getting warm and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re looking to make more substantial changes, you may want to make 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 isn’t properly insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what form 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 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, requiring your HVAC system to work harder. Installing 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 costs. The savings capacity of this purchase is even greater if you’re prepared to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to operate your AC unit 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 Calgary With Help From A1 Chesney Service Experts
At A1 Chesney Service Experts, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers get 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 very comfortable backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help lower your summer air conditioning expenses, please get in touch with the Experts at A1 Chesney Service Experts. Schedule your appointment by calling 587-315-5271 today!
