Are you stressed by increasing utility expenses this summer? To reduce AC costs without sacrificing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested strategies to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Lowering air conditioning expenses may be easier than you imagine. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly utility bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows enters as heat. By shutting 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 cooling expenses for each degree you raise the temperature. Try establishing a temperature on your thermostat a tad higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.
3. Switch off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, make quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the room decreases the interior heat gain your air conditioner must combat.
4. Use appliances wisely: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool point of the day. This strategy lightens your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to cut down the workload on your air conditioning.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your air conditioning spending. Here are some cost-effective upgrades to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your schedule. You can cut AC expenditures 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 experience these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning needs scheduled checkups to make sure it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to detect and take care of small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a tremendous return on investment through greater efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those annoying 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 updating them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and use considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties 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, consider the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic is not properly insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what kind 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 reduces sunlight and creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling requirements.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, requiring your air conditioner 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: Using an aging air conditioner is more expensive than you might think. Upgrading from a decade-old 10 SEER model to a modern-day 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your air conditioning bills. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even greater if you’re able to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to run your air conditioner and other electric equipment. The ongoing cost savings, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in Calgary With Help From Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers get133 exceptional HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our high-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 cooling expenditures, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule your appointment today by calling 403-279-5760!