Are you weighed down by escalating utility expenses this summer? To slash 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 techniques to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Lowering AC costs may be easier than you suspect. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto standard double-pane windows enters as heat. By closing 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 necessity for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your air conditioning bills for each degree you raise the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a bit 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, create quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the space reduces the interior heat gain your air conditioning must combat.
4. Use appliances strategically: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cooler time of the day. This strategy reduces your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, minimizing 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 air conditioning.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your air conditioning costs. Here are some cost-effective upgrades to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature according to your daily schedule. You can cut AC bills by up to 10 percent by turning 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 conditioner should have routine checkups to make sure it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to detect and deal with small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a substantial return on investment through increased efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, limiting solar heat gain. This wallet-friendly upgrade is an ideal way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and consume a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home from getting warm and reduce lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re prepared93 to make more substantial improvements, explore 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 has not been properly insulated. Take a look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you select, you could 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 blocks sunlight and creates 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, making your AC to work harder. Buying new 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 is more expensive than you might think. Upgrading from a decade-old 10 SEER model to a modern 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your cooling expenses. 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 power your HVAC and other electric equipment. The ongoing expense reductions, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Edmonton With Help From McKinley Heating Service Experts
At McKinley Heating Service Experts, we make the extra step to provide133 exceptional HVAC services that help decrease air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our top-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 costs, please reach out to the Experts at McKinley Heating Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 780-800-7092!