Are you weighed down by increasing utility expenses this summer? To reduce AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving behaviors, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven tips to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Cutting AC expenses may be easier than you imagine. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly electricity bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows comes into the building as heat. By shutting out the sun with 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 expenses for each degree you increase the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a bit higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.
3. Switch off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, make a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the space 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 coolest point of the day. This strategy relieves some of your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, minimizing your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate heat and humidity while cooking and showering to reduce the workload on your cooling system.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your cooling spending. Here are some affordable enhancements to consider:
6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature based on your routine. You can slash 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 enjoy these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning needs routine checkups to make sure it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to detect and solve small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a substantial return on investment through improved efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, decreasing solar heat gain. This economical upgrade is an ideal way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and use considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home cooler and reduce lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re prepared93 to make more significant changes, explore the following investments to cut air conditioning costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic has not been sufficiently insulated. Look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what type of insulation you have, 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 reduces sunlight and generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling requirements.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a large amount of heat, making 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: Operating an aging air conditioner hurts your wallet more 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 expenses. 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 cooling system and other electric devices. The ongoing savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Kingwood With Help From Finch Air Conditioning & Heating
At Finch Air Conditioning & Heating, we make the extra step to provide133 exceptional 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 cooling expenses, please contact the Experts at Finch Air Conditioning & Heating. Schedule your appointment today by calling 281-407-9478!