15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Cleveland
Are you stressed by escalating utility costs 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 tried and tested tips to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Cutting cooling system costs may be easier than you imagine. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly electricity bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows enters as heat. By shutting 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 need for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your air conditioning bills for each degree you increase the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a bit higher than usual and using a fan to make up the difference.
3. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, make a great deal of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the space lowers 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 coolest part of the day. This strategy relieves some of your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove 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 part with a few dollars, you can put an even greater dent in your air conditioning costs. Here are some wallet-friendly enhancements to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature based on your routine. You can cut AC costs by up to 10 percent by turning the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning requires routine checkups to make certain it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to find and solve little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a substantial return on investment through increased 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. Fix those irritating leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Install reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, limiting solar heat gain. This affordable upgrade is a great way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and use a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home from getting warm and lower lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re looking93 to make more extensive improvements, explore the following investments to cut air conditioning costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can leak through the ceiling if your attic is not adequately insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you choose, you may 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 generates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally cutting down on your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a large amount 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 improves your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Using 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 AC costs. The savings potential of this purchase is even higher if you’re prepared to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your HVAC and other electric devices. The ongoing expense reductions, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a valuable investment.
Save More on Your AC in Cleveland With Help From Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers get133 exceptional 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 secure backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help reduce your summer air conditioning expenditures, please reach out to the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule your appointment today by calling 440-252-1375!
