Are you stressed by increasing utility bills this summer? To cut AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving behaviors, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested techniques to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming air conditioning expenses may be easier than you imagine. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By blocking 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 necessity for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your cooling expenses for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a little higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.
3. Flip off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, create quite 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 strategy relieves some of your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate heat and humidity while cooking and showering to diminish the workload on your AC.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your AC costs. Here are some cost-effective enhancements to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature according to your activities. You can slash AC costs by up to 10 percent by dialing the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without hassle or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning needs regular checkups to make certain it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to identify and take care of minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a significant return on investment through increased efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off 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 economical upgrade is an ideal 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 utilize a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home more comfortable and lower lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re looking93 to make more significant improvements, you may want to make the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can leak through the ceiling if your attic isn’t properly insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you choose, you could 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 produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with 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: Running an aging air conditioner is more costly 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 opportunities 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 power your HVAC and other electric devices. The ongoing cost savings, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Champaign With Help From Chief/Bauer Service Experts
At Chief/Bauer Service Experts, we make the extra step to make sure our customers get133 exceptional HVAC services that help cut 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 air conditioning expenditures, please get in touch with the Experts at Chief/Bauer Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 217-689-2469!