Are you stressed by skyrocketing utility bills this summer? To cut AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving behaviors, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 effective techniques to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming cooling system expenses may be easier than you think. 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 enters as heat. By closing out the sun with insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you minimize 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 AC expenses for each degree you increase the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a bit 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, produce a lot of heat. Turning them off when you aren't in the area decreases 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 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 cut down the workload on your cooling system.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to part with a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your air conditioning expenses. Here are some wallet-friendly improvements to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature according to your routine. 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 AC needs scheduled checkups to make certain it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to detect and fix minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a significant 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 approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those troublesome 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 affordable upgrade is a very good way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and utilize far 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 looking93 to make more extensive modifications, explore the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic has not been sufficiently insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what type of insulation you have, you could 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 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, requiring 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: Using 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 air conditioning expenses. The savings capacity of this purchase is even more if you’re prepared to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to run your HVAC and other electric equipment. The ongoing cost savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in Edmonton With Help From Rob's Albertan Service Experts
At Rob's Albertan Service Experts, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers get133 top-notch HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our superior 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 reduce your summer cooling costs, please contact the Experts at Rob's Albertan Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 780-800-9047!