15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Pierre
Are you stressed by increasing utility bills this summer? To cut AC costs without losing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven techniques to consider.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Cutting cooling system expenditures may be easier than you imagine. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly electricity bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By shutting 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 need for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your air conditioning expenses for each degree you elevate the temperature. Try establishing a temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.
3. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, produce quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you aren't in the room reduces 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 technique reduces your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and improving home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Get rid of heat and humidity while cooking and showering to diminish the workload on your cooling system.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your AC spending. Here are some cost-effective improvements to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature depending on your daily schedule. 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 enjoy these savings without hassle or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner requires routine checkups to make certain it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to identify and resolve little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a significant return on investment through increased efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors cause approximately 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 budget-friendly upgrade is an ideal way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and consume considerably less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home from getting warm and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re looking93 to make more extensive improvements, consider the following investments to cut air conditioning costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can get through the ceiling if your attic has not been properly insulated. Look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what type of insulation you choose, you may 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 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, requiring your AC to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with innovative glazing features improves 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 modern 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your cooling 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 power your AC unit and other electric appliances. The ongoing savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial investment.
Save More on Your AC in Pierre With Help From Peitz Service Experts
At Peitz Service Experts, we go above and beyond the expected to make sure our customers get133 exceptional 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 costs, please reach out to the Experts at Peitz Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 605-223-0307!
