Having an air-conditioned interior is one of the miracles of modern living, especially if you live in an area with a hot climate or the summers can get scorching. However, an air conditioning unit will also increase your energy bills. Thankfully, there are things you can do to help minimize the cost of running an AC unit. If you’d like to know how to save money on air conditioning costs, you’re in the right place.

Use Window Covers

According to the Department Of Energy, 76% of the sunlight that goes through the window will be in the form of heat. Solar screens, or window screens that look like mesh, can stop the heat energy from getting into the house. Windows that face west and east are the best places for window screens.

For best results, you’d want to place covers on the outdoor side of the window. That would prevent much of the heat from getting through the window glass. Putting window covers will likely be better than any adjustments you can make inside. 

Using window films is another way to save money on AC costs. Such kinds of films are generally made from thin sheets of metalized film. And, it can also reflect the heat away from the glass. For best results, use something very reflective like silver or white-colored. 

Use Ceiling Fans

If you just entered your home from the scorching temperature outside, it’s better that you turn on a ceiling fan rather than dropping the thermostat temperature. It’s also an excellent option if you are indoors and doing something physical that causes you to sweat. 

Ceiling fans are a lot better at moving the air, which helps evaporate the sweat from the skin. Evaporative cooling is a very effective way to get rid of heat. With a ceiling fan, you can help increase the effectiveness of the process. 

Regular AC Maintenance

Your cooling costs will increase if your air conditioner is running inefficiently. It’s essential to keep up with the maintenance of your air conditioner. Not only is it a way to save money on air conditioning costs but it can reduce the chances of needing any repair services prematurely. A good maintenance routine includes preseason preparation for summer as well as winter.

During the summer, you should clean or replace the AC’s filter every few months. In cases that there’s an abnormal amount of dust in the house or if you have furry pets, then the filters may need to be cleaned or changed more often.

A dirty or clogged filter inhibits air from moving through the unit and makes it less efficient. Hence, you’d want the filter clean, so that air can move freely. Also, keep the AC unit adequately leveled so the water can drain properly. 

The condenser and evaporator can also get dirty and needs to be cleaned from time to time. Leaves, twigs, and other things can get caught in the coils, making the unit less efficient. Hence, you’d want to clear the foilage near the unit to prevent such elements from continuously intruding into your AC. 

Generally, you’d like the condenser to be free from other things to lessen the likelihood of accumulating dust and debris. 

Check the fins on the coil to ensure they haven’t been bent and aren’t blocking the flow of air. Contact a good service technician to fix your AC if it’s old, not working right, or needs to be tuned up.

Minimize The Leaks

A house that lets air in and out is not energy efficient. Hence, look outside and inside the house for gaps, cracks, and holes. The most obvious places to check are the windows and doors. The not-so-obvious place to look is where the foundation of the home meets the exterior siding or brick. If you want to be thorough, then your best option is to hire an energy audit service. 

An energy audit is a thorough inspection of your property by a trained professional. A professional excels at spotting energy-inefficient spots or leaks. They are also good at checking places that most people tend to overlook. Finally, they can offer recommendations on where to add more insulation in spots where it may be lacking. 

Wrapping It All Up

With the slow but continuous increase in energy bills, it’s best to know how you can lower the air conditioning costs. Not only can it help you save money, but it can also help reduce your carbon footprint. 

For now, you can try using window covers, installing a ceiling fan, doing regular AC maintenance, and minimizing air leaks in the home. Of course, you can also do other things, but the recommendations above are perfect for how to save money on air conditioning costs.