How to Lower Your Electricity Bill This Summer

Air conditioning accounts for 12-27% of the average US household electricity bill. During summer months, that number can double. Here are 12 proven ways to cool your home without breaking the bank.

1. Set Your Thermostat to 78F

The Department of Energy recommends 78F (26C) when you are home. Every degree lower increases energy use by 3-4%. Going from 72F to 78F can save 18-24% on cooling costs.

2. Use a Programmable Thermostat

Set the temperature higher when you are away or sleeping. A programmable thermostat saves $50-$180 per year. Smart thermostats like Ecobee or Nest learn your patterns and optimize automatically.

3. Clean Your AC Filter Regularly

A dirty filter makes your AC work 5-15% harder. Clean it every 2-4 weeks during heavy use.

4. Use Ceiling Fans

A ceiling fan costs about $0.01 per hour to run (versus $0.10-$0.20 for AC). The wind chill effect lets you raise the thermostat 4 degrees without losing comfort. That is a 12-16% energy saving.

5. Seal Air Leaks

Gaps around windows, doors, and outlets let hot air in and cool air out. Weatherstripping and caulking cost under $20 and can save 10-20% on energy bills. Pay special attention to window AC installations — seal all gaps properly.

6. Block Direct Sunlight

South and west-facing windows are the biggest heat gain sources. Close blinds or curtains during afternoon hours. Reflective window film or external shades can reduce solar heat gain by 40-70%.

7. Avoid Heat-Generating Activities

Your oven adds 3,000-5,000 BTU of heat to your kitchen. Grill outside, use a microwave, or cook during cooler hours. The dryer adds similar heat — line-dry when possible or run the dryer at night.

8. Maintain Your Outdoor Unit

Keep the condenser clean and the area around it clear. A dirty condenser can reduce efficiency by 30%. Hose it down monthly and trim vegetation to maintain 2 feet of clearance.

9. Use Exhaust Fans

Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans when cooking or showering. They remove hot, humid air that your AC would otherwise have to cool and dehumidify.

10. Check Your Ductwork

Leaky ducts lose 20-30% of cooled air before it reaches your rooms. If accessible, inspect duct joints and seal any gaps with mastic sealant or metal-backed tape (not regular duct tape).

11. Consider a Whole-House Fan

On cooler evenings (below 75F), a whole-house fan pulls in cool outside air and pushes hot air out through attic vents. It uses 90% less energy than AC and can cool the house quickly.

12. Upgrade to a More Efficient Unit

If your AC is over 10 years old, a new Energy Star unit could cut cooling costs by 20-40%. Mini-splits with SEER 20+ are the most efficient option. Use our BTU calculator to make sure you are not paying for more capacity than you need.