Are you stressed by skyrocketing utility bills this summer? To reduce AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven strategies to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Cutting cooling system expenses may be easier than you suspect. Here are some completely 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 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 need for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your AC expenses for each degree you increase the temperature. Try turning 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, produce a whole lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the area reduces 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 coolest point of the day. This approach relieves some of 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 diminish the workload on your AC.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your air conditioning expenses. Here are some affordable upgrades to consider:
6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature depending on your activities. You can trim AC expenditures 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 AC should have scheduled checkups to make certain it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to identify and solve little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a tremendous return on investment through greater efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those irritating leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Install reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, limiting solar heat gain. This economical upgrade is a very good way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and use far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home from getting warm and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re looking93 to make more extensive modifications, consider 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 isn’t adequately insulated. Look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you select, you might need to employ 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 cutting down on your cooling demands.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a large amount of heat, requiring your HVAC system 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: Using an aging air conditioner is more expensive 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 cooling costs. The savings potential of this purchase is even higher if you’re able to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to run your cooling system and other electric devices. The ongoing cost savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Canada With Help From Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we make the extra step to make sure our customers get133 excellent HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our premium products, Expert knowledge and attention to detail, we feel confident backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help lower your summer AC expenses, please get in touch with the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule your appointment today by calling 866-397-3787!