15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Kansas City
Are you burdened by increasing utility costs this summer? To cut AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 effective techniques to use.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Lowering cooling system expenditures may be easier than you suspect. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly power bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Roughly 76 percent of the sunlight that streams onto 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 AC expenses for each degree you increase the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a little higher than usual and running a fan to make up the difference.
3. Switch off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, make quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the area lowers the interior heat gain your AC must combat.
4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cool point of the day. This strategy reduces your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, minimizing your bill and maximizing home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to reduce the workload on your AC.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to spend a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your air conditioning spending. Here are some affordable improvements to consider:
6. Install a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, look into upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically changes the temperature according to your activities. You can trim AC bills by up to 10 percent by setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner should have routine checkups to make sure it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also offer a chance to detect and deal with minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable charge provides a substantial return on investment through increased efficiency and can lengthen the unit's life.
8. Seal leaks: In lots of homes, leaky windows and doors cause about 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, limiting solar heat gain. This economical upgrade is a great way to improve your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and consume far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These properties help keep your home from getting warm and reduce lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more significant modifications, explore the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can leak through the ceiling if your attic isn’t properly insulated. Look 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 kind of insulation you select, you might 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 creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in a large amount of heat, requiring your HVAC system to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with 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 contemporary 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 prepared 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 savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial investment.
Save More on Your AC in Kansas City With Help From Neal Harris Service Experts
At Neal Harris Service Experts, we make the extra step to deliver133 excellent 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 lower your summer air conditioning expenditures, please get in touch with the Experts at Neal Harris Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 816-787-0500!
