15 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs in Nashville
Are you burdened by escalating utility bills this summer? To cut AC costs without compromising comfort, you should adopt energy-saving habits, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 tried and tested techniques to consider.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Trimming air conditioning costs may be easier than you imagine. Here are some totally free ways to ease your monthly utility bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: About 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 lower solar heat gain in the afternoon and reduce the need for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your AC bills for each degree you raise the temperature. Try turning up the temperature on your thermostat a bit higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.
3. Turn off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, create a lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the room decreases the interior heat gain your AC must combat.
4. Use appliances wisely: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the cooler time of the day. This strategy lightens your AC’s load during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and improving home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to diminish the workload on your AC.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even bigger dent in your air conditioning expenses. Here are some wallet-friendly upgrades 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 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 appreciate these savings without hassle or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioner requires routine checkups to make certain it runs easily and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to detect and deal with little 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 approximately 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Fix those pesky 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 wallet-friendly upgrade is a very good way to increase your older windows’ efficiency without replacing them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs produce almost no heat and consume a lot less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These qualities help keep your home from getting warm and cut down on lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more extensive improvements, you may want to make the following investments to cut cooling costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can seep through the ceiling if your attic isn’t properly insulated. Peer inside the attic, and if you don’t see a thick, even layer of insulation, you may want to look into adding more. Depending on what kind of insulation you have, 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 reduces sunlight and creates a cool microclimate around your home, naturally reducing your cooling requirements.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with advanced glazing features increases your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Operating an aging air conditioner is more expensive 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 costs. The savings potential of this purchase is even greater if you’re prepared to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to run your AC unit and other electric appliances. The ongoing savings, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a beneficial investment.
Save More on Your AC in Nashville With Help From Donelson Air Service Experts
At Donelson Air Service Experts, we go the extra mile to deliver133 top-notch HVAC services that help cut 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 lower your summer air conditioning costs, please get in touch with the Experts at Donelson Air Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 615-953-9885!
