What Our Experts Recommend to Reduce Summer AC Usage

When summer temperatures start reaching their peak and it feels like you’re melting, the first thing you probably do is turn down the thermostat to keep your home cool and comfortable. The problem is that this simple action can result in energy bill spikes. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), air conditioning accounts for about 19% of electricity use in American homes.

Find out what you can do to reduce your summer energy usage so that you can stay cool without the pressure of high electricity bills.

Our experts have gathered some helpful tips for managing your energy use and keeping bills from spiking this summer.

Ensure your HVAC system is running well

When something is wrong with your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, your AC has to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. A clogged filter, low refrigerant levels, or a worn-out part can all cause your system to run longer than it should, driving up your energy usage. ENERGY STAR recommends scheduling an annual pre-season check-up with a licensed contractor to keep your cooling system running its best.

Invest in a programmable thermostat

You can save up to 10% on energy costs by keeping your house seven to 10 degrees warmer. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), bumping up your thermostat works best when the warmer temperature is consistent for at least 8 hours a day. A programmable thermostat can make this easier. You can program it to a warmer temperature when you are out of the house, then set it to a cooler temperature at night for a comfortable sleep.

Use ceiling fans to help cool your home

Ceiling fans won’t lower the temperature in your home, but they can make the room feel cooler by moving air. According to the DOE, ceiling fans can make enough of a difference to allow you to raise your thermostat by 4 degrees. Window and box fans are also options to help reduce strain on your AC. Just make sure to unplug or turn off fans before leaving a room so you don’t waste energy.

Prevent hot air from entering your house

You can use window coverings to block sunlight before it has a chance to heat up your space during the summer months. The DOE recommends energy-efficient options, such as blackout curtains and exterior awnings, to cut down on how much heat enters through your windows. Natural light is great when you’re using a room, but closing blinds and curtains in rooms you’re not using is an easy way to keep heat from building up during the day.

Upgrade your landscaping

Like window coverings, trees and greenery around your house can also help decrease the amount of heat around the home. When trees move and release water vapor, the surrounding air temperature can decrease by six degrees. When this cool air travels to the ground under the tree, it can drop the area by as much as 25 degrees, according to the DOE. Consider planting trees around your property to block sunlight from entering your home.

Cook outside or enjoy cold meals

Summer is grilling season, but you may not know that cooking outside can help lower your energy bill. Using your oven or stove indoors adds heat to your home that your AC then has to work against. Grilling outside keeps that heat out of your home entirely. Alternatively, you can structure your meals around foods that don’t require heat, such as salads or sandwiches.

Use heat-generating appliances at night or in the early morning

Running appliances like your dishwasher and clothes dryer can generate a significant amount of heat, especially during the middle of a hot day. Shifting those tasks to early morning or nighttime is a simple adjustment that reduces the load on your cooling system. If you’re on a time-of-use or free nights plan, running appliances during off-peak hours can also mean a lower rate, so you can save both energy and money.

Q: How much money can I save on my energy bill by lowering my AC usage?

A: While home maintenance can lower your electric bill, the exact dollar amount will be dependent on where you live, your energy rate, and other factors. You may also be able to achieve lower energy bills by securing a cheaper energy plan. Shop affordable rates for free on the Choose Energy marketplace.

Q: Will changing my thermostat waste energy?

A: Many people assume that letting their home warm up while they’re away means their AC has to blast on full power to recover. However, the DOE explained that the opposite is true. A warmer home slows the rate at which heat enters from the outside, so your system does less work overall.

Q: Will upgrading my air conditioning system lead to more summer energy savings?

A: If your air conditioning unit is 10 years old or more and/or is no longer cooling effectively, it should be checked by an HVAC professional or replaced, according to ENERGY STAR standards. Replacing older, ineffective air conditioning systems with ENERGY STAR-certified appliances could save homeowners up to $140 per year.

Q: Should I close my vents in rooms I’m not in to focus the air conditioning in other parts of the home?

A: Closing vents in unused rooms can cause damage to your system by creating pressure imbalances that strain your system. Keep all vents and interior doors open to allow your system to circulate air the way it’s designed to.

Q: What month should I stop using AC?

A: When you can stop using AC and still stay comfortable depends on your location. In more northern regions of the country, you can likely wean off your AC starting in late September. Central and southern areas will probably need to keep the AC running until later October. This transition can be a good time to get your HVAC system checked and maintenance if necessary.