Are you burdened by skyrocketing utility bills this summer? To cut AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven tips to consider.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming AC expenditures may be easier than you think. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly power bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows comes into the building as heat. By shutting 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 necessity for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your cooling costs for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try establishing a temperature on your thermostat a little 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 quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the space lowers the interior heat gain your AC must combat.
4. Use appliances strategically: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the coolest time of the day. This approach reduces your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and maximizing home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Get rid of 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 invest a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your cooling spending. Here are some low-cost improvements to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature based on your routine. You can cut AC bills by up to 10 percent by dialing the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can enjoy these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC needs regular checkups to ensure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to identify and take care of minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a substantial return on investment through greater efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors cause approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those irritating leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, decreasing solar heat gain. This wallet-friendly 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 produce almost no heat and utilize far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home cooler and reduce lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more significant 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 has not been adequately insulated. Take a look 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 form of insulation you choose, you may 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 creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling demands.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. Installing double- or triple-pane windows with state-of-the-art glazing features improves 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 contemporary 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your cooling bills. The savings potential of this purchase is even higher if you’re willing to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your cooling system and other electric appliances. The ongoing savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in Indianapolis With Help From Broad Ripple Service Experts
At Broad Ripple Service Experts, we make the extra step to deliver133 excellent HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our top-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 reduce your summer AC expenditures, please reach out to the Experts at Broad Ripple Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 317-527-0271!