How to Reduce Cooling Bills When the Temperature Rises

Instead of setting the air conditioning to 74° or 76° F, try setting it to 78° F and let a ceiling fan do the rest. It costs comparatively little to run and can make the temperature feel as much as 4 degrees cooler, according to the Department of Energy. Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. While most ceiling fans don’t have enough power to significantly cool a whole room, they can have a noticeable impact on your skin to make you feel cooler. The idea is to set your central air a few degrees higher and use standard fans and ceiling fans to circulate the cool air throughout each room.

If you have central air condition­ing, one of the most effective ways to save money on cooling is to install a programmable or smart thermostat. (You’ll also save money on heating in the winter.) If you need the AC when you get home, program it to go on before you arrive or, with some thermostats, turn it on with a smartphone app.

A smart thermostat prevents your HVAC system from cooling an empty house. These devices use your smartphone’s location to automatically adjust the temperature when you leave and begin cooling right before you return. Models like the Google Nest Learning Thermostat and Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium handle the scheduling for you.

Older homes often lack the required C-wire, or common wire, needed to provide continuous power to the unit. You will either need to install an included power adapter kit—which requires opening your furnace control panel—or hire an HVAC technician for the installation.

Tip: Before investing in a smart or programmable model, check with your utility company to see whether it offers any incentives or even a free thermostat. Many offset the cost with rebates or discounts.

Cooling a larger home naturally drives up your utility bill. If you spend most of your day in just one or two rooms, consider using a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner instead of blasting the central AC.

By raising your central thermostat a few degrees and using a room unit to cool your immediate space, you localize your energy use. Pair that room AC with a ceiling fan, and you can stay perfectly comfortable while significantly lowering your overall cooling costs. 

If you’re really feeling the burn from a heat wave, avoid using your washer, dryer, and dishwasher so that you don’t overload your home’s cooling system, which makes it work harder and ultimately increases your electric bill. Also, make sure you use the exhaust fans in your kitchen when you’re cooking (try not to use the oven, but keep the door closed as often as possible if you must) or in the bathroom when you’re taking a shower. That can help reduce steam and lower the humidity in your home.

Many utility providers charge higher rates per kilowatt-hour during peak daytime hours, typically from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can save money by delaying high-heat, high-draw cycles until later in the evening. If you have a plan that offers off-peak discounts, that would be an ideal time to run your dishwasher, washing machine, and electric dryer.

You can also use smart plugs with active energy monitoring to cut phantom power to entertainment centers when they’re not in use. Keep in mind that smart plugs themselves constantly draw a small baseline amount of power—around 1 to 2 watts—to maintain their WiFi connection.

Direct sunlight pouring through untreated glass can significantly counteract your air conditioner’s impact. Keeping your curtains or blinds closed during the day prevents excessive warming in your home.

You should also check for air leaks around doorframes and windows. Letting conditioned air escape through cracks is like leaving the refrigerator door open. Silicone weather stripping tape and foam draft stoppers offer an inexpensive way to improve your home’s insulation.

Be aware that more aggressive tactics, like applying aftermarket UV window film, can void a manufacturer’s warranty on some modern dual-pane windows. The film can cause heat to build up between the glass panes and break the vacuum seal.

Last but not least: Take care of your AC maintenance. Changing your AC filters is the easiest starting point. Dirt and dust buildup on your HVAC filter restricts airflow and forces the unit to run longer and draw more electricity just to push the same volume of air through the vents.

Check your filters monthly during peak summer heat and replace them every 30 to 90 days. If you’re a homeowner with direct access to the central HVAC system, check that there are no leaks in the ductwork and perform routine unit maintenance at regular intervals to keep everything running efficiently.