15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Gainesville
Are you burdened by escalating utility costs this summer? To cut 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
Cutting AC expenditures may be easier than you imagine. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly power bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that hits 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 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 elevate the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a little 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 a lot of heat. Turning them off when you leave the space reduces the interior heat gain your AC 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 reduces your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Get rid of 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 part with a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your cooling expenses. Here are some wallet-friendly improvements to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature depending on your schedule. You can slash AC expenditures by up to 10 percent by dialing the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without hassle or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning requires scheduled checkups to make certain it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to detect and deal with small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a tremendous return on investment through greater efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those annoying 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 economical upgrade is a great way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and use considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home cooler and reduce lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more significant improvements, 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 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 form 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 generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling requirements.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, requiring your HVAC system to work harder. Buying new double- or triple-pane windows with advanced glazing features improves 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 modern-day 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your AC expenses. The savings opportunities 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 operate your cooling system and other electric devices. The ongoing savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial investment.
Save More on Your AC in Gainesville With Help From Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we go above and beyond the expected to deliver133 exceptional 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 very comfortable backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help lower your summer cooling expenditures, please contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule your appointment today by calling 352-414-4006!
