Are you weighed down by escalating utility costs this summer? To slash AC costs without sacrificing 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
Lowering cooling system costs may be easier than you imagine. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly utility bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that hits 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 need 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 setting your thermostat a tad higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.
3. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, create a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the area decreases 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 coolest time of the day. This strategy lightens your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate 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 spend a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your AC spending. Here are some low-cost improvements to consider:
6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature depending on your activities. You can cut AC costs by up to 10 percent by turning the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can appreciate these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning needs routine checkups to make certain it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to find and deal with small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a significant return on investment through improved efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, limiting solar heat gain. This budget-friendly upgrade is an ideal way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and consume considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home from getting warm and reduce 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 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 thick, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what type 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 reduces sunlight and generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a lot of heat, requiring your HVAC system to work harder. Installing double- or triple-pane windows with innovative glazing features improves your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Using an aging air conditioner costs more 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 costs. The savings capacity of this purchase is even higher if you’re able to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to run your air conditioner and other electric equipment. The ongoing cost savings, coupled with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in Buffalo With Help From Sunbeam Service Experts
At Sunbeam Service Experts, we go above and beyond the expected to provide133 exceptional HVAC services that help decrease air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our top-quality products, Expert knowledge and attention to detail, we feel confident backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help lower your summer AC expenditures, please contact the Experts at Sunbeam Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 716-427-6807!