Are you stressed by escalating 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 try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming cooling system costs may be easier than you think. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly electricity bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto standard double-pane windows comes into the building as heat. By closing 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 demand for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your air conditioning costs for each degree you raise the temperature. Try establishing a temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.
3. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, create a lot of heat. Turning them off when you aren't in the area decreases the interior heat gain your air conditioning must combat.
4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cooler part of the day. This approach relieves some of your AC’s workload 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 cooling system.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your cooling costs. Here are some cost-effective upgrades to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature based on your daily schedule. You can cut AC costs by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can enjoy these savings without hassle or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC needs routine checkups to make sure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to identify and take care of little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a significant return on investment through increased efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In many 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 exterior, reducing solar heat gain. This budget-friendly upgrade is a great way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and consume a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home from getting warm and reduce lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re looking93 to make more extensive changes, 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 thick, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what kind of insulation you have, you could 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 blocks sunlight and creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, making your air conditioner to work harder. Buying new 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: Using an aging air conditioner is more expensive 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 cooling costs. The savings capacity of this purchase is even greater 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 equipment. The ongoing savings, together with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in Long Island With Help From Matz-Rightway
At Matz-Rightway, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers get133 excellent 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 reduce your summer cooling expenses, please reach out to the Experts at Matz-Rightway. Schedule your appointment today by calling 631-406-9220!