Are you stressed by escalating utility costs 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 tried and tested strategies to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming air conditioning expenditures may be easier than you think. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly electricity bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By closing out the sun with insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you minimize 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 expenses for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a bit higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.
3. Flip off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, create a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the room reduces the interior heat gain your AC must combat.
4. Use appliances wisely: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cooler time of the day. This technique lightens your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate heat and humidity while cooking and showering to diminish the workload on your AC.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to part with a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your air conditioning spending. Here are some cost-effective upgrades to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature depending on your routine. You can slash AC costs by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without hassle or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner needs routine checkups to ensure it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to find and take care of small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a significant return on investment through improved efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind 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 exterior, reducing solar heat gain. This budget-friendly upgrade is a great way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and utilize considerably 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 extensive improvements, you may want to make 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. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, think about 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 reduces sunlight and generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a large amount of heat, requiring your AC to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with advanced glazing features increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Running an aging air conditioner is more expensive 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 air conditioning expenses. 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 cooling system and other electric appliances. The ongoing cost savings, combined 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 make the extra step to make sure our customers get133 top-notch HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our superior 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 expenditures, please reach out to the Experts at A1 Chesney Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 587-315-5271!