15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Wheeling
Are you weighed down by escalating utility bills this summer? To slash AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 effective techniques to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming AC costs may be easier than you think. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly energy bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto 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 lessen 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 bills for each degree you increase the temperature. Try turning up the temperature on your thermostat a tad 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, create a whole lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the space reduces the interior heat gain your air conditioner must combat.
4. Use appliances strategically: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cooler point of the day. This strategy lightens your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to cut down the workload on your AC.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your air conditioning spending. Here are some low-cost enhancements to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature depending on your schedule. You can trim AC bills 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 experience these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC needs scheduled checkups to make certain it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to identify and resolve minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a significant return on investment through improved efficiency and can lengthen the unit's life.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors cause around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those pesky leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, reducing solar heat gain. This economical 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 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 significant changes, consider the following investments to cut air conditioning costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic isn’t properly insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you choose, you might 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 produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a lot of heat, making your HVAC system to work harder. Installing double- or triple-pane windows with advanced glazing features increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Running an aging air conditioner hurts your wallet 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 greater if you’re able 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 expense reductions, coupled with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in Wheeling With Help From Comfort Masters Service Experts
At Comfort Masters Service Experts, we go the extra mile to provide133 exceptional HVAC services that help decrease 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 lower your summer air conditioning expenditures, please contact the Experts at Comfort Masters Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 847-250-6729!
