15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Dayton
Are you burdened by escalating utility bills 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 try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming air conditioning expenses may be easier than you think. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly power 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 minimize 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 cooling expenses for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a little higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.
3. Flip off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, make a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you leave the space reduces the interior heat gain your air conditioner must combat.
4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool time of the day. This approach lightens your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, minimizing your bill and maximizing home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate heat and humidity while cooking and showering to reduce 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 air conditioning spending. Here are some low-cost upgrades to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts 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 experience these savings without hassle or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner needs scheduled checkups to ensure it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to detect and fix small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a substantial return on investment through greater efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Seal those annoying leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outdoors, decreasing solar heat gain. This affordable upgrade is an ideal way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and use considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home cooler and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more extensive improvements, consider the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can leak through the ceiling if your attic isn’t properly insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you have, you might need to hire 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 produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with 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 is more expensive 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 expenses. The savings capacity of this purchase is even more if you’re able to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to operate your HVAC and other electric equipment. The ongoing savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Dayton With Help From Stevenson Service Experts
At Stevenson Service Experts, we go the extra mile to deliver133 top-notch HVAC services that help decrease air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our superior 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 reduce your summer air conditioning expenses, please contact the Experts at Stevenson Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 937-503-7896!
