10 Tips for Saving on Air Conditioning in the Summer

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Why you should save money on AC in summer

Texans are familiar with the state’s long, humid summers. But did you know that residential cooling costs are the most expensive utility you pay for? The Energy Information Administration (EIA) calculates that air conditioning accounts for 28% of annual residential electricity usage in Texas. This percentage is likely even higher in the summer when most homes and businesses run AC around the clock to battle the sweltering Texas heat.

If you’re looking to save on your summer energy bills, there’s no better place to start than regulating your home’s temperature.

Summer air conditioning tips

If you live in Texas during the summer, you can’t avoid running your AC. However, you can make small changes around your home to make this electricity consumption worthwhile.

Here are 10 creative ways to get the most value out of your AC unit in the summer. These tips can also help you save energy and potentially reduce your electricity bills.

1. Install a smart thermostat

Smart thermostats allow you to remotely control your home’s temperature from your phone, and are a game-changer for home energy efficiency. They also learn your home’s energy patterns and can automatically adjust the temperature for peak efficiency. Switching to a smart thermostat can help you save on summer AC costs by adjusting your home’s temperature to consume less energy.

2. Improve your window seals

Properly sealing your windows and using window coverings can increase your home’s energy efficiency and reduce air conditioning costs. A loose window seal allows cool air out and hot air in, making your air conditioner work harder to cool your home. To check your seals, wet your hand with water and hold it near the edges of your windows. If you feel a draft from the window, your seal is likely letting air escape. You can easily reseal the window yourself, or hire a professional to fix the problem for you.

3. Close your doors

Similar to windows, open or poorly sealed doors allow cold air to escape and warm air to enter. To prevent wasting cold air from your AC unit, ensure all doors are closed while it is running and check that the seals are good. The same rule applies to your attic and pet doors.

4. Make dinner outside

Running your stove and oven to cook dinner increases your home’s temperature and makes your AC work harder. If you have a grill, consider cooking dinner outside to keep the hot air out and reduce your AC unit’s workload.

5. Reduce your home’s humidity

Humidity in Texas is just as intense as the heat. To make your AC unit work more efficiently, you can reduce your home’s humidity. You can start by taking shorter showers, drying your clothes on a line outside, or investing in a dehumidifier. Standalone or ceiling fans can also help improve the airflow in your home and reduce humidity.

6. Switch to LED lightbulbs

There are numerous reasons to switch to LED lightbulbs for a more energy-efficient home. One big plus in LED’s favor is that they don’t generate as much heat as incandescent bulbs. Switching to LED lightbulbs can help reduce the amount of heat in your home during the summer and reduce air conditioning costs.

7. Use fans

Ceiling and floor fans can maximize the cooling effect of your AC unit. While a fan does not create cool air, it promotes air flow. Using fans can let you lower your AC unit a few degrees and move the cold air through your home. This will help you stay cool while using less energy to power your AC system.

8. Run your dishwasher at night

Dishwashers create heat that warms the air in your home, making your air conditioner work harder. Nighttime temperatures are cooler, so running your dishwasher at night can reduce the strain on your cooling system, leading to energy savings and improved comfort. If you have a time-of-use energy plan, running your dishwasher during off-peak hours may also save money due to lower electricity rates.

9. Turn off unnecessary appliances

Many electronics and appliances create heat when they’re on or plugged in. You can reduce the heat produced indoors by turning off appliances such as computers, televisions, and gaming consoles when not in use. This reduces stress on your air conditioner, leading to energy savings and increased cooling efficiency. An added bonus: unplugging unused electronics reduces your overall electricity consumption since devices continue to drain energy even when not in use — also known as “vampire energy.”

10. Schedule routine AC maintenance

Regular HVAC maintenance ensures your AC system operates efficiently and can help lower energy consumption and bills. During maintenance visits, HVAC professionals inspect and clean key components, such as filters and ducts, to ensure they are free of debris that interrupts airflow and reduces efficiency. They also check and address wear and tear that may cause malfunction. Scheduling regular AC maintenance saves money on your energy bills and ensures an efficient system.

Frequently asked questions about summer AC savings

Is it cheaper to leave my AC unit on all day?

Yes, leaving your AC unit on all day at a higher temperature is cheaper. Turning your unit on and off throughout the day decreases how effectively it cools your home. This also puts additional wear and tear on your system as it works harder to lower the overall temperature of your home. Take the guesswork out of regulating your home’s temperature with a smart thermostat or a thermostat schedule. This device will keep your home comfortable all day and night, ensuring maximum efficiency.

What temperature should my AC be set at during summer?

ENERGY STAR, a segment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. You can also increase the temperature further while you are out of the house or asleep. The higher your thermostat, the less electricity your AC unit uses to cool your home. Don’t sacrifice your comfort, though — set the thermostat as high as you need to minimize costs while still maintaining a comfortable temperature.

What’s the best way to save on summer AC costs?

The best way to save on your summer AC costs is to ensure your unit is well-maintained. A faulty AC unit costs more money because it works less efficiently. If you live somewhere with hot summers requiring constant AC usage, like Texas, getting your AC unit professionally inspected before summer is critical. Routine maintenance will address any damage to your system and ensure it’s in peak condition.

Which is cheaper, fans or AC?

Fans are cheaper to power because they use electricity to spin blades, which is easier than creating cold air. Air conditioning is a more energy-intensive task. However, fans are less effective at cooling your home during hot summer days. When used together, fans and air conditioning can keep your home cool while using less electricity.