15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs
Are you burdened by escalating utility expenses this summer? To reduce AC costs without sacrificing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving behaviors, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested strategies to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Cutting AC expenditures may be easier than you suspect. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly power bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows goes into the building as heat. By shutting out the sun by pulling 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 bills for each degree you raise the temperature. Try cranking up the temperature on 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, produce a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the area 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 cool part of the day. This technique reduces your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, minimizing your bill and maximizing home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove 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 larger dent in your air conditioning costs. Here are some affordable improvements to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature according to your activities. You can trim 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 experience these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning requires routine checkups to ensure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to find and solve little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a substantial return on investment through increased efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those irritating leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Install reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, reducing solar heat gain. This affordable upgrade is a very good way to increase 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 qualities help keep your home cooler and reduce lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re looking to make more extensive changes, explore the following investments to cut air conditioning costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic isn’t adequately insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what kind of insulation you have, 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 reduces sunlight and produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling requirements.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Buying new double- or triple-pane windows with innovative glazing features improves your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Operating an aging air conditioner costs 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 costs. 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 run your AC unit and other electric devices. The ongoing expense reductions, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Edmonton With Help From Rob's Albertan Service Experts
At Rob's Albertan Service Experts, we make the extra step to deliver 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 secure backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help minimize your summer air conditioning expenses, please contact the Experts at Rob's Albertan Service Experts. Schedule your appointment by calling 780-800-9047 today!
