15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Winnipeg
Are you burdened by increasing utility bills this summer? To slash 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 techniques to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming air conditioning expenses may be easier than you think. 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 beats down on standard double-pane windows enters 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 elevate the temperature. Try turning up the temperature on your thermostat a bit 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, make a whole lot of heat. Turning them off when you aren't in the room reduces the interior heat gain your air conditioning must combat.
4. Use appliances strategically: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cooler time of the day. This approach lightens your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, minimizing your bill and improving home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate heat and humidity while cooking and showering to cut down the workload on your air conditioner.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to part with a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your air conditioning spending. Here are some low-cost enhancements to consider:
6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature depending on your activities. You can trim AC bills 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 aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC needs scheduled checkups to ensure it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to detect and deal with small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a tremendous return on investment through increased 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 approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those irritating leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, decreasing solar heat gain. This affordable upgrade is an ideal way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and consume far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home more comfortable and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more significant improvements, consider the following investments to cut air conditioning costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic isn’t adequately insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into 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 reduces sunlight and produces 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, requiring your air conditioner to work harder. Installing double- or triple-pane windows with state-of-the-art glazing features increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Operating 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 cooling bills. The savings capacity of this purchase is even higher 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, coupled with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial investment.
Save More on Your AC in Winnipeg With Help From Winnipeg Supply Service Experts
At Winnipeg Supply Service Experts, we go the extra mile to deliver133 top-notch 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 minimize your summer air conditioning expenses, please reach out to the Experts at Winnipeg Supply Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 204-800-0613!
