15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Waukegan
Are you weighed down by skyrocketing utility costs this summer? To cut 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 try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Lowering air conditioning costs may be easier than you imagine. Here are some absolutely free ways to ease your monthly utility bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows enters 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 necessity for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your cooling bills for each degree you increase the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a tad higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.
3. Switch 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 area lowers the interior heat gain your air conditioner must combat.
4. Use appliances strategically: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool part of the day. This technique reduces your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, lowering your bill and maximizing home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate 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 part with a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your air conditioning costs. Here are some low-cost enhancements to consider:
6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have a manual thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature according to your daily schedule. You can slash AC expenditures by up to 10 percent by turning 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 conditioner should have scheduled checkups to make certain it runs correctly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to detect and solve minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a substantial return on investment through improved efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In many homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind around 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, reducing solar heat gain. This economical upgrade is a very good way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without buying new ones to replace them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs generate almost no heat and utilize far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home cooler and reduce lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re prepared93 to make more substantial modifications, explore the following investments to cut air conditioning costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic isn’t sufficiently insulated. Look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what form of insulation you select, you might need to employ 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 lowering your cooling demands.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a whole lot of heat, making your HVAC system to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with state-of-the-art glazing features increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Using an aging air conditioner costs more 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 air conditioning bills. The savings capacity 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 operate your AC unit and other electric devices. The ongoing cost savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial investment.
Save More on Your AC in Waukegan With Help From Robinson Service Experts
At Robinson Service Experts , we go above and beyond the expected to provide133 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 very comfortable 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 Robinson Service Experts . Schedule your appointment today by calling 847-306-8730!