15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Longmont
Are you burdened by increasing utility costs this summer? To reduce AC costs without sacrificing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven strategies to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming AC expenses may be easier than you imagine. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly power bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows enters 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 need 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 establishing a temperature on your thermostat a little higher than usual and using a fan to make up the difference.
3. Flip off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, produce a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the space decreases the interior heat gain your air conditioning must combat.
4. Use appliances wisely: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool time of the day. This technique relieves some of your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and maximizing home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Get rid of heat and humidity while cooking and showering to reduce the workload on your air conditioner.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your cooling costs. Here are some affordable enhancements to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature based on your routine. You can trim AC bills by up to 10 percent by dialing the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can enjoy these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner requires regular checkups to make sure it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to identify and solve small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a substantial return on investment through improved efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In lots of 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 exterior, decreasing solar heat gain. This affordable upgrade is a great way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and consume a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home from getting warm and reduce lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more significant modifications, you may want to make the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic isn’t adequately insulated. Take a look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, think about adding more. Depending on what kind 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 blocks sunlight and generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling requirements.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a large amount of heat, requiring 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: Operating 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 bills. The savings potential 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 run your AC unit 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 Longmont With Help From Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we go the extra mile to deliver133 top-notch HVAC services that help decrease air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our high-quality products, Expert knowledge and attention to detail, we feel secure backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help reduce your summer AC expenses, please reach out to the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule your appointment today by calling 303-647-5749!
