Are you weighed down 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 tried and tested techniques to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Lowering AC costs may be easier than you suspect. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly power bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By blocking out the sun with insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you cut down on 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 cooling costs for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a tad higher than usual and using a fan to make up the difference.
3. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, produce a whole lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the area lowers 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 cool time of the day. This strategy reduces your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and maximizing home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to reduce the workload on your air conditioner.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your air conditioning spending. Here are some cost-effective upgrades to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your schedule. You can cut AC costs 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 enjoy these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning requires regular checkups to make certain it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to find and take care of 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 many homes, leaky windows and doors cause approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, decreasing solar heat gain. This budget-friendly upgrade is a very good way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and use a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home more comfortable and reduce lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re prepared93 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 seep through the ceiling if your attic isn’t adequately insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you select, you may 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 cutting down on your cooling demands.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot 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: Operating 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 air conditioning costs. The savings capacity 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 HVAC and other electric devices. The ongoing expense reductions, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial investment.
Save More on Your AC in Fort Lauderdale With Help From Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we go the extra mile to provide133 top-notch 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 secure backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help lower your summer cooling expenses, please reach out to the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule your appointment today by calling 954-736-4314!