Are you weighed down by skyrocketing utility costs this summer? To reduce AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 effective strategies to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming air conditioning expenditures may be easier than you think. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto 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 lower 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 air conditioning bills for each degree you increase the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a tad 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, create quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the space decreases the interior heat gain your AC must combat.
4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool point of the day. This technique relieves some of your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, bringing down 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 part with a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your AC spending. Here are some low-cost enhancements to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature depending on your schedule. You can trim 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 inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning should have regular checkups to make sure it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to find and take care of minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a tremendous return on investment through increased efficiency and can lengthen the unit's life.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number 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. Use 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 generate almost no heat and utilize far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home from getting warm and lower lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re prepared93 to make more extensive modifications, consider 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 is not sufficiently insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what type of insulation you choose, you might 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 reducing your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a large amount of heat, forcing your AC to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with 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 hurts your wallet more than you might think. Upgrading from a decade-old 10 SEER model to a modern 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your AC bills. The savings capacity 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 operate your HVAC and other electric equipment. The ongoing savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial investment.
Save More on Your AC in the Wasatch Front region With Help From Barlow Service Experts
At Barlow Service Experts, we go above and beyond the expected to provide133 excellent HVAC services that help decrease air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our superior 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 expenses, please get in touch with the Experts at Barlow Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 801-436-8985!