10 Tips for Saving on Air Conditioning in the Summer

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As temperatures rise during the summer in Texas, air conditioner usage increases to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Air conditioning is a significant contributor to high energy bills, accounting for 12%–27% of energy bill spending in Texas.

There are several great ways to lower your energy bills while keeping your AC running so you can stay cool this summer without overpaying for electricity. Let’s explore some simple tips to reduce your air conditioning expenses and maximize energy efficiency throughout the summer months. 

Install a programmable or smart thermostat

Increasing the thermostat setting when you’re not home allows your air conditioner to run less frequently, reducing overall energy consumption. This can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill. Programmable and smart thermostats allow you to set a schedule so your air conditioner is at a higher temperature when you’re not home. Most programmable thermostats offer several settings so you can have a different temperature for the weekend or specific days of the week. 

Smart thermostats provide greater convenience because you can adjust your temperature or set a schedule from your mobile device. Some smart thermostats, like the Google Nest Thermostat, track your energy usage so you can understand how much energy you consume and find ways to adjust usage for lower bills. 

Check 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, close the window on a piece of paper. If you can easily pull the paper out, the seal is loose. Use silicon sealant around the windows to ensure cold air stops leaking through these openings. 

Consider using window coverings to block direct sunlight and reduce heat gain. You can adjust window coverings based on the sun’s position, opening in the early morning and evening when temperatures are cooler to allow natural light without adding heat. Combining these practices can reduce your AC unit workload and lead to lower energy bills. 

Close your doors

Ensure doors are properly sealed and closed to maintain your desired indoor temperature without overworking your air conditioner. This is especially important for exterior, attic, and pet doors. 

Similar to windows, poorly sealed doors can allow cool air to escape and hot air to enter, forcing your air conditioner to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. You can reduce air leakage and increase energy efficiency by ensuring that doors are properly sealed and kept closed. 

Make dinner outside

Cooking heats the kitchen, making the air conditioner work harder to maintain indoor temperatures. Consider using an outdoor grill to cook dinner to keep the heat outside (and enjoy a family BBQ) and reduce your AC unit’s workload. 

Use alternative appliances

Ovens generate a significant amount of heat. Depending on the food, you may be able to use your toaster, toaster oven, or microwave instead of your oven — all of which produce less heat and use less energy. Using these alternative appliances can lead to additional energy bill savings. 

Switch to LED lightbulbs

Traditional incandescent lightbulbs generate heat. Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, like LEDs, can help you save on your energy bills because they produce minimal heat and last longer. 

Use fans

A ceiling or floor fan allows you to turn down your air conditioner a few degrees and stay comfortable. The breeze created by fans cools your skin, not the room, so ensure you turn the fan off when you leave the room. By using fans, you can reduce reliance on your air conditioner, leading to energy savings. 

Run your dishwasher at night

Dishwashers create heat that warms the air in your home, making your air conditioner work to control the indoor temperatures. Nighttime temperatures are cooler, so if you run your dishwasher at night, you 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. 

Turn off unnecessary appliances

Many electronics and appliances create heat when they’re on or plugged in. You save energy and reduce the amount of 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. 

Keep the TV away from the thermostat

Televisions generate heat when in use. If placed near the thermostat, it may register a higher temperature in your home, causing the air conditioner to work more frequently. Keeping your TV away from the thermostat ensures it accurately measures the room’s temperature and your air conditioner operates efficiently.

Schedule routine AC maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures your AC system operates at its best efficiency for 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

Does turning the AC on and off cost more?

Turning your AC on and off during certain hours can save you money by reducing energy consumption, but frequent short cycling may increase wear and tear on the system and reduce its lifespan. Consider using a programmable or smart thermostat to optimize energy efficiency and minimize strain on your AC.

Does it cost more to heat or cool a house?

Electricity costs vary by location. Heating a home in a cool climate costs more, while cooling a home in a warm climate is more expensive.

Is it cheaper to run fans or AC?

It is cheaper to run fans because they require less energy than air conditioners. 

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