Power bills have climbed higher this summer, with the average household expected to spend an average of $784 on electricity bills between June and September—the highest cost in a decade, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. Part of this spike is due to rising electricity rates, but another major factor is increased air conditioning use, which accounts for nearly one-fifth of a typical household’s energy bill.
The good news: Making your air conditioning system run more efficiently can help you lower the cost without sacrificing comfort. Here, experts share how to save money on AC using simple strategies.
Block solar rays
“The first step to trimming the cost of electricity is cutting back on ‘heat gain’—the warmth that builds up in your house from both outdoor and indoor sources,” says Allison A. Bailes III, Ph.D., founder of the building science firm Energy Vanguard and author of A House Needs to Breathe…or Does It?. Reducing trapped heat means your cooling system will run less often and won’t have to work as hard.
Direct sunlight is the biggest contributor to heat gain in your home, Bailes says. The easy fix: Just close blinds or curtains on windows—especially on the southern-facing side of your home—when the sun hits them directly.
Another option: “You’ll reduce energy consumption by 30 percent by installing window film (found easily in home improvement stores), which blocks hot UV rays,” says Davidson. Place the film on the windows using a clear adhesive, and it’ll stay put until you’re ready to remove it.
Close sneaky gaps easily
We can save 15 percent on cooling costs simply by filling gaps around windows and doors, studies show. “It’s easy to block drafts with caulk or spray foam,” assures Steve Beeler, owner of RSC Heating and Air Conditioning. To pinpoint energy leaks, walk around windows and doors holding a lit candle. If you notice the flame start to flicker, you’ve sleuthed out a draft — just fill it up and start saving big!
Simply head to the attic or basement and seal these holes with expanding foam. One to try: Würth Big Gaps Expanding Foam Sealant at Walmart.
Create a frosty breeze
While a window unit costs about $40 to run each month, a fan costs only $5 per month. To boost its chill factor, fill a bowl with ice cubes, sprinkle them with salt and place the bowl in front of the fan, says HVAC expert Mark Davidson. “The salt lowers the freezing point of ice from 32 degrees Fahrenheit to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, so as the cubes melt, extra-cold water vapor will be released into the air, cooling you right off.”
Make a simple bulb swap
Incandescent and halogen light bulbs can get surprisingly hot. Turn them off when possible or swap in LEDs, which stay cool and use less electricity.
Boost your A/C’s efficiency by opening these vents.
Your air conditioner doesn’t just cool the air; it also removes humidity. Give it a helping hand by turning on the vents in your kitchen (above the stove) and bathroom. “These vents pump humid air into your attic or outside, helping your A/C work much less hard,” says HVAC expert Walter Bennett (GreenLeafAir.com). This easy trick can decrease your monthly bill by 20 percent.
Curb home gadget heat
During the hottest part of the day, try to avoid using appliances that produce warmth, Bailes suggests. Run the dishwasher in the evening, for example, or line-dry laundry instead of tossing clothes in the dryer. And grill dinner outside rather than cooking on the stove or in the oven.
Schedule filter changes
Making sure air flows freely through your HVAC system is one of the simplest ways to boost efficiency. To do just that, change your filter regularly, Bailes advises. “Air conditioner companies get calls all summer from people saying their system isn’t cooling, and the first thing the tech checks is the filter. A very high percentage of the time, the problem is just dirt buildup.” That’s because when dust and debris clog filters, chilled air can’t pass through them to cool your home effectively.
Manufacturers typically recommend replacing your filter every 30 to 60 days, but it’s smart to take a quick peek a couple of weeks earlier since certain factors, like pet hair, can clog them faster. A clean filter not only keeps you more comfortable, it also lowers your air conditioner’s energy use by up to 15 percent.
Get duct savvy
If your filter is clean but you still have to keep lowering the thermostat to stay cool, a disconnected air duct could be to blame. “It’s common for ducts to come apart,” says Bailes. When that happens, your system releases cool air into areas it shouldn’t, like under the flooring—a factor that reduces air conditioner efficiency by up to 20 percent.
To find which duct might be the problem, head to the attic or crawl space and look for two sections that have separated. Then reconnect the pieces and secure them with screws or use foil tape, which resists temperature swings and stays put. One foil tape to consider: Polyken, in home-improvement stores.
A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.
