Are you weighed down by increasing utility costs this summer? To cut AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested tips to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Cutting cooling system costs may be easier than you suspect. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By closing out the sun with insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you cut down on 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 AC bills for each degree you raise the temperature. Try turning up the temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.
3. Flip off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, create quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you aren't in the area lowers 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 point of the day. This strategy lightens 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 spend a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your cooling spending. Here are some low-cost enhancements to consider:
6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature according to your routine. You can cut AC bills by up to 10 percent by turning the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can appreciate these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC requires scheduled checkups to make sure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to detect and deal with little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a significant return on investment through improved efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
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. Seal those pesky leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, decreasing solar heat gain. This affordable upgrade is an ideal way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and consume a lot 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 prepared93 to make more extensive improvements, you may want to make 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 has not been adequately insulated. Take a look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what kind of insulation you select, you could need to contact 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 creates 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 increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Running 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 air conditioning expenses. The savings capacity 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 run your HVAC and other electric equipment. The ongoing savings, coupled with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial investment.
Save More on Your AC in Fort Worth With Help From Calverley Service Experts
At Calverley Service Experts, we go above and beyond the expected to provide133 top-notch HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our high-quality 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 AC expenses, please contact the Experts at Calverley Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 817-380-5647!