Summer Savings Secret: Cut Your Cooling Costs in Half (Really!)
It is essential to manage your home cooling costs for your wallet and the environment. Keeping your cooling expenses under control can make a big difference in your monthly budget, especially in areas with long, hot summers or year-round warm weather.
Besides, the reduction in energy consumption helps to lower your carbon footprint, which means a small contribution towards making a sustainable future.
Your overall air conditioner bill depends on quite a number of variables, which include the efficiency of the system, how well your house is insulated, the outside temperature reading, and even how big your home actually is, not forgetting the frequency with which you operate the device. Knowing all these causes gives one insight to lower their expenses.
In this article, we’ll go over a few of the essential ways in which you can save money on cooling costs. From upgrading your cooling system to simple behavioral changes, you’ll be empowered to take control of your home’s temperature without breaking the bank.
Have Your Central A/C System Inspected Every Year
Regardless of the type of climate you live in, your central A/C system should be serviced and inspected at least once a year.
Given how pricey central air conditioners are, it stands to reason that you’d want to keep yours up and running for as long as possible – and preventative maintenance can help you do just that.
Experienced technicians will be able to provide your system with a thorough cleaning and identify and repair a wide range of problems.
Most importantly, they’ll take care of small issues before they have a chance to become much larger problems.
Many of us are understandably opposed to spending money in situations where we don’t absolutely have to.
However, when it comes to basic A/C maintenance, you should avoid cheaping out.
Yes, committing to annual inspections will cost a little bit of money, but spending a little in the short term can exponentially extend the life of your central air conditioning system and save you a fortune on large-scale repairs.
Additionally, depending on how much use your central A/C gets, you may want to commit to multiple inspections per year.
Don’t Hesitate to Have Problems Addressed
Even with essential annual maintenance visits, it’s entirely possible for problems with your air conditioning system to occur.
In fact, a basic tenant of central A/C ownership is accepting that you’re going to be faced with the occasional maintenance issue.
Regardless of whether you’re dealing with a large-scale issue or a relatively minor one, you’d do well to have it professionally addressed posthaste.
The longer any A/C issue is allowed to linger, the more pressing it’s going to become – and the more pressing it becomes, the more you’ll be spending on repair costs.
Again, the desire to avoid spending money is perfectly understandable.
However, if you fail to address A/C issues in a timely manner, you’re going to wind up spending a lot more in the long run. As such, when your air conditioner is making a loud buzzing noise or exhibiting any other problems, don’t hesitate to call in a pro.
Insulate Your Attic
Since it’s the area closest to the roof, quite a bit of air can enter and exit your home through your attic.
Needless to say, this can present a problem for families looking to seal in the cool air produced by their home’s A/C. So, are you looking to minimize the amount of indoor air? Or something that’s able to escape and the amount of outdoor air that’s able to enter through your attic? Then, you take care of the attic by adequately insulating the area.
If you have little to no experience installing insulation, this task is best left to a professional installer in insulation Tampa.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Doors and Windows
Like good insulation, energy-efficient doors and windows can help minimize how much cool air is able to escape your home.
Since energy-efficient doors and windows are composed of thick, thermal materials, they’re far better equipped to seal in the air than standard doors and windows. As an added bonus, they’ll also prove useful at sealing in warm air during the winter months.
For some people, the idea of living in a perpetually warm area seems like heaven.
Given how much trouble heavy snowfall and icy-cold temps can be, trading a wintery climate for a summery one seems like a no-brainer.
However, as anyone who resides in a warmer part of the country can attest, such convenience comes at a cost – namely monthly utilities.
In addition to the environmental impact, running a central air conditioning system around the clock can be a drain on one’s finances and require one to shell out a small fortune every month.
As such, anyone looking to keep home cooling costs in check should heed the pointers discussed above.
Top Ways to Keep Home Cooling Costs in Check
Want to know how to keep your home cooling low? Here are the top tricks that help you experience coolness this summer while saving your money.
Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient A/C
Upgrading to an energy-efficient air conditioner will make a significant difference in your monthly energy expenses. Newer systems, especially those with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, use less electricity to cool your house.
Thus, reduce your cooling costs. Although the initial investment may be higher, the savings in the long run through reduced energy bills will be more than recovered. In addition, new units are generally quieter, more effective, and environmentally friendly.
Regular A/C Maintenance
It is essential to schedule regular maintenance for your air conditioner to ensure that it is running at peak efficiency. A yearly tune-up by a professional can help find minor problems before they turn into costly repairs.
Changing filters, cleaning coils, and checking refrigerant levels are everyday maintenance tasks that will help extend the life of your A/C.
A properly maintained system is more energy-efficient and less prone to breaking down during the hottest months, saving you money on repairs and reducing cooling costs.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat really is an excellent investment. It helps you control your cooling costs effectively. You save money because you are automatically setting the temperature according to your schedule.
So that when you don’t need it, like when you are asleep or away at work, the air conditioning isn’t running. Many allow remote control via smartphone. This will make it easier for you to monitor and adjust the temperature for savings while still keeping your home comfortable.
Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks around windows, doors, and ducts can significantly raise your cooling costs. As the incredible air escapes and warm air enters, the A/C system is forced to work harder to keep the temperature.
Sealing these leaks with weatherstripping or caulk is an easy and cost-effective solution. Ensure that door frames, window edges, and attic spaces are properly sealed.
This simple step reduces energy waste, improves efficiency, and keeps your home cooler, all while lowering your utility bills.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can really supplement your air conditioning and lower cooling costs. Since the fans move the cooled air that your A/C unit generates around the space more effectively, they will evenly get to all corners.
It feels more remarkable due to the factors mentioned, enabling one to raise the temperature on the thermostat without it being unbearably uncomfortable. You can, in fact, increase it a number of degrees without impacting comfort. Just be sure to shut them off in unoccupied rooms to conserve energy.
Install Window Coverings
Window coverings, like blinds, shades, or curtains, are a must for keeping out the heat that seeps into your house. Solar shades or blackout curtains can block out most of the sun’s heat, especially in rooms with direct sunlight.
Keeping the blinds closed during the hottest part of the day maintains a cooler indoor temperature without resorting to your air conditioner. In addition, insulating window treatments, such as thermal curtains, prevent cool air from escaping, thus making your home more energy efficient.
Opt for Energy-Efficient Windows
Energy-efficient windows keep the house cool in summer and warm in winter by way of heat transfer prevention. Double-glazed or low-E (low emissivity) windows are excellent at keeping out the sun’s heat while still allowing in natural light.
Although there is an initial higher cost, switching to energy-efficient windows can save you money over time by lowering your cooling and heating bills.
These windows also improve the overall comfort of your house by maintaining consistent temperatures throughout the day.
Add Insulation to Your Attic
Insulating your attic is one of the most effective ways to prevent heat from entering your home and keep cool air inside. Attics, being directly under the roof, are prone to extreme temperature fluctuations. Without proper insulation, the heat from the roof can easily seep into your living spaces, causing your air conditioner to work harder.
By adding insulation to your attic, you reduce heat transfer, making your cooling system more efficient. Spray foam, fiberglass, and cellulose are common insulation materials to consider.
Seal Ducts
Leaky ducts can waste up to 30% of the energy used to cool your home. If your air ducts are compromised, the cool air can escape before reaching the rooms, which means your system must work much harder just to maintain the desired temperature.
Sealing ducts with specialized tape or a mastic sealant can improve airflow, increase energy efficiency, and lower cooling costs. Have a professional inspect your ducts to make sure they are adequately sealed and insulated for optimal performance.
Replace A/C Filters Regularly
Dirty or clogged air filters make your air conditioner work harder, decreasing efficiency and increasing energy consumption. It’s essential to check and replace your filters every 1-3 months, especially during the summer months when your A/C is in use more frequently.
Clean filters allow better airflow and ensure that your system doesn’t have to overwork to cool your home. Additionally, replacing dirty filters regularly helps improve indoor air quality. As a result, it helps in making your home healthier and more comfortable.
Use Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation is one of the most underutilized methods of cooling your home, using outdoor air to regulate indoor temperatures. Opening windows during the cooler parts of the day—early mornings and evenings. This allows fresh air to circulate and dramatically lessens the need for air conditioning.
Cross-ventilation, where windows on opposite sides of the home are opened, is most effective at creating a breeze that cools your home naturally. This simple act keeps your cooling costs low and your home comfortable.
Opt for Energy-Efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, and dryers, help reduce your overall energy consumption.
While these appliances don’t directly affect your cooling costs, they reduce the amount of heat generated inside your home, which can lower the demand for your air conditioning system.
For instance, energy-efficient refrigerators produce less heat and, therefore, require less cooling. The Energy Star label on these appliances guarantees you are making an environmentally friendly choice. Moreover, it helps you to save money on your monthly energy bills.
Landscaping for Shade
Landscaping your yard to provide shade can lower the amount of heat your home absorbs. This helps in reducing your reliance on air conditioning.
Planting trees and shrubs strategically around your home can block the sun’s rays from hitting the walls and windows directly.
Moreover, it helps to keep your home cooler. Deciduous trees are particularly effective. Why? Well, because they provide shade in the summer and allow sunlight to warm your home in the winter once the leaves fall. This natural shading can significantly reduce your cooling costs over time.
Adjust Your Habits
Simple behavioral changes can go a long way in helping you cut down on your cooling costs without making significant investments.
For example, using fans instead of running the air conditioner all the time. Or cooking meals during more extraordinary times of the day. You can even consider turning off lights and electronics when not in use, it can all contribute to a more extraordinary home and lower energy bills.
You can also try wearing lightweight clothing. Avoiding the use of heat-producing appliances during the day reduces the need for constant air conditioning, saving you money.
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