15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Savannah
Are you weighed down by increasing utility bills this summer? To slash AC costs without sacrificing 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
Trimming air conditioning costs may be easier than you think. 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 comes into the building as heat. By blocking out the sun with insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you cut down on 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 costs for each degree you raise the temperature. Try setting 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 a lot 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 prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool part of the day. This approach relieves some of your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and maximizing home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to cut down the workload on your air conditioner.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your AC expenses. Here are some wallet-friendly improvements to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature according to your activities. You can slash 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 appreciate these savings without inconvenience or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning should have routine checkups to make sure it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to identify and deal with small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a substantial return on investment through greater efficiency and can lengthen the unit's life.
8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those pesky leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Use reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the exterior, limiting solar heat gain. This budget-friendly upgrade is a great way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and use a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home more comfortable and lower lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re prepared93 to make more significant changes, consider the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic is not adequately 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 contact a professional for the job.
12. Plant trees for natural shade: Planting leafy trees on the south and west sides of your house reduces sunlight and produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Buying new double- or triple-pane windows with innovative 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 costly 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 cooling costs. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even higher if you’re willing to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your AC unit and other electric equipment. The ongoing savings, coupled with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in Savannah With Help From Coastal Service Experts
At Coastal Service Experts, we go above and beyond the expected to provide133 excellent 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 secure backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help lower your summer cooling expenditures, please get in touch with the Experts at Coastal Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 912-208-2399!
