Are you stressed by increasing utility costs this summer? To slash AC costs without sacrificing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested techniques to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming AC expenses may be easier than you suspect. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly power bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that hits 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 need for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your cooling bills for each degree you raise the temperature. Try turning up the temperature on your thermostat a little higher than usual and using 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 aren't in the room decreases the interior heat gain your air conditioner must combat.
4. Use appliances strategically: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool time of the day. This approach relieves some of your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and improving home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to reduce the workload on your AC.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to part with a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your AC spending. Here are some wallet-friendly upgrades to consider:
6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature based on your routine. You can cut AC bills 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 appreciate these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning requires regular checkups to ensure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to identify and fix minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a significant return on investment through improved efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Install reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, reducing solar heat gain. This economical 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 far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home cooler and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re looking93 to make more extensive changes, consider 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 is not sufficiently insulated. Peek 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 choose, 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 generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling requirements.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, making your AC to work harder. Buying new 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: Operating an aging air conditioner costs more 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 costs. The savings capacity of this purchase is even more 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 savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in Concord With Help From Freschi Service Experts
At Freschi Service Experts, we go above and beyond the expected to make sure our customers get133 top-notch HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our high-quality 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 lower your summer cooling expenditures, please reach out to the Experts at Freschi Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 925-384-1303!