15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs
Are you burdened by increasing utility costs this summer? To reduce AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven tips to consider.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Cutting AC expenditures may be easier than you think. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly electricity bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto standard double-pane windows goes into the building as heat. By shutting out the sun by pulling insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you lower solar heat gain in the afternoon and reduce the demand for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your AC expenses for each degree you increase the temperature. Try establishing a 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 leave 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 cooler time of the day. This approach relieves some of your AC’s load 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 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 AC costs. Here are some wallet-friendly enhancements to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature depending on your activities. You can cut AC costs 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 experience these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC needs scheduled checkups to ensure it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to identify and deal with minor 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 about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those annoying 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 budget-friendly upgrade is an ideal way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and use considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home cooler and lower lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready to make more substantial improvements, explore the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic isn’t sufficiently insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you select, 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 obstructs sunlight and generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling requirements.
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 province-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 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 AC bills. The savings opportunities 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 air conditioner and other electric equipment. The ongoing savings, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in Winnipeg With Help From Winnipeg Supply Service Experts
At Winnipeg Supply Service Experts, we make the extra step to provide top-notch HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our premium 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 minimize your summer air conditioning costs, please get in touch with the Experts at Winnipeg Supply Service Experts. Schedule your appointment by calling 204-800-0613 today!
