15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Louisville
Are you burdened by increasing utility expenses this summer? To reduce AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving behaviors, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven tips to consider.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming AC expenditures may be easier than you suspect. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly power bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 76 percent of the sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows gets into the building as heat. By blocking 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 necessity for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your AC bills for each degree you increase the temperature. Try turning up the temperature on your thermostat a tad 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, create quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you aren't in the area reduces 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 time of the day. This strategy lightens your AC’s burden during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and maximizing home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Eliminate heat and humidity while cooking and showering to diminish the workload on your air conditioning.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to part with a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your AC spending. Here are some wallet-friendly upgrades to consider:
6. Set up a programmable thermostat: If you still have an older thermostat, consider upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature based on your activities. You can cut AC costs 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 experience these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your AC needs regular checkups to make sure it runs properly and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also give technicians a chance to detect and fix little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable expense provides a tremendous return on investment through increased efficiency and prolonged equipment life span.
8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors are the culprit behind around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those irritating leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, decreasing solar heat gain. This affordable upgrade is a very good way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and consume far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home more comfortable and lower lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more extensive improvements, explore the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can leak through the ceiling if your attic isn’t sufficiently insulated. Peek inside the attic, and if you don’t see a deep, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what type of insulation you have, you could 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 reduces sunlight and creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling requirements.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, making your AC to work harder. Installing double- or triple-pane windows with innovative glazing features increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Running an aging air conditioner hurts your wallet 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 cooling costs. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even more if you’re willing to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your cooling system and other electric devices. The ongoing expense reductions, coupled with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in Louisville With Help From Becht/Givens Service Experts
At Becht/Givens Service Experts, we go the extra mile to deliver133 top-notch HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our premium 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 cooling expenditures, please get in touch with the Experts at Becht/Givens Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 502-785-8230!
