15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs
Are you stressed by increasing utility expenses 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 proven strategies to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming air conditioning costs may be easier than you suspect. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly power bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows goes into the building as heat. By closing out the sun by pulling 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 air conditioning expenses for each degree you increase the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a little higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.
3. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, create a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the area decreases the interior heat gain your AC must combat.
4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cooler point of the day. This technique relieves some of your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and improving 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 spend a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your AC spending. Here are some low-cost improvements to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature depending on your routine. You can trim AC costs by up to 10 percent by dialing the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can appreciate these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning needs regular checkups to make certain it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to find and solve little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a substantial return on investment through improved efficiency and can lengthen the unit’s life.
8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those irritating 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 economical upgrade is an ideal way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and consume considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home more comfortable and reduce lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready to make more significant improvements, explore the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can leak through the ceiling if your attic isn’t properly insulated. Take a look 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 have, 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 blocks sunlight and creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a lot of heat, making your AC to work harder. Installing double- or triple-pane windows with innovative glazing features elevates your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Running an aging air conditioner is more costly 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 bills. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even greater if you’re willing to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your AC unit and other electric equipment. The ongoing cost savings, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial 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 deliver top-notch HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our top-quality 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 McKinley Heating Service Experts. Schedule your appointment by calling 780-800-7092 today!
