15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Are you stressed by skyrocketing utility bills this summer? To cut AC costs without sacrificing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested techniques to try.

Adopt Good Energy Habits

Trimming AC expenses may be easier than you think. Here are some completely 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 enters as heat. By blocking out the sun by pulling insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you minimize 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 bills for each degree you raise the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a little higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.

3. Switch off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, make a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the room reduces the interior heat gain your AC must combat.

4. Use appliances wisely: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cooler point of the day. This technique reduces your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and improving home comfort.

5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to diminish the workload on your air conditioner.

Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades

If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your cooling expenses. Here are some low-cost upgrades to consider:

6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your schedule. You can cut AC costs by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can enjoy these savings without hassle or discomfort.

7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner needs scheduled checkups to make sure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to detect and resolve minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a significant return on investment through improved efficiency and can lengthen the unit’s life.

8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those pesky leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

9. Add 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 improve your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.

10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and use far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home more comfortable and lower lighting costs as well.

Consider Long-Term Home Investments

If you’re ready to make more significant modifications, you may want to make the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:

11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic is not adequately insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you choose, you may 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 blocks 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 lot of heat, making your AC to work harder. Installing double- or triple-pane windows with state-of-the-art glazing features elevates your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.

14. Upgrade your AC system: Running 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 AC bills. The savings capacity 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 AC unit and other electric appliances. The ongoing savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.

Save More on Your AC in Dallas With Help From Levy & Son Service Experts

At Levy & Son Service Experts, we go the extra mile to deliver exceptional HVAC services that help cut air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our high-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 minimize your summer AC costs, please reach out to the Experts at Levy & Son Service Experts. Schedule your appointment by calling 469-250-0932 today!