11 Tips for Saving on Air Conditioning in the Summer

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How to save money on air conditioning in summer

If you’re a Texas resident, you’re probably familiar with the state’s hot, humid summers and how much an electricity bill can spike for you to stay cool. To learn how to save energy on your air conditioner in summer, the best place to start is understanding your energy bill.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) calculates that air conditioning accounts for 28% of annual residential electricity usage in Texas. If you’re searching for ways to lower your AC usage and cut summer energy costs, your home’s temperature is a great place to start. In this guide, we provide 11 AC tips for summer to help you stay comfortable and potentially lower your summer electricity bills.

Air conditioner tips for summer

Living in Texas means you can’t avoid running your AC in the summer. However, a few small changes around your home can help you rely on it less often.

1. Install a smart thermostat

Smart thermostats allow you to control your home’s temperature from your phone, making it easier to maintain comfort without wasting energy. They also learn your home’s energy patterns and 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, especially during high-demand times like heat waves, when electricity costs are higher.

2. Seal out the elements

A loose window seal allows cool air out and hot air in, making your air conditioner work harder to keep your home cool. To check your seals, lightly wet your hand and hold it near the edges of your windows. If you feel a draft, your seal needs attention. You can reseal windows yourself or hire a professional.

Sunlight is another efficiency drain in the summer. Shades, curtains, or blinds block heat gain and help your home stay cooler without extra AC use.

3. Close your doors

Similar to windows, open or poorly sealed doors allow cool air to escape and warm air to enter. While your AC is running, keep all doors closed and check that caulking and weather stripping around the frames are in good condition. The same rule applies to your attic and pet doors — any gap is a chance to waste energy.

4. Reduce the humidity level in your home

In many parts of Texas, humidity makes the heat that much worse and forces your AC to work harder. Here’s how to lower AC usage by reducing moisture indoors:

• Take shorter showers
• Dry clothes on a line outside instead of using a dryer
• Use a dehumidifier

5. Switch to LED lightbulbs

LED lightbulbs generate 90% less heat and use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, according to the Department of Energy (DOE). Switching to LED lightbulbs can help lessen ambient heat in your home during the summer, reduce your air conditioning usage, and save you money on your energy bill.

6. Cook dinner outside

Running your stove and oven while cooking creates more heat inside. During summer, consider grilling outside to keep the hot air out and reduce your AC unit’s workload. Cookouts can be one of the best ways to save energy and enjoy summer evenings with family and good food.

7. Use fans

One of the best ways to use AC in summer is to rely on fans. Fans don’t create cool air, but they circulate the air more evenly through your home. Using ceiling or floor fans with your AC lets you raise the thermostat by a few degrees without sacrificing comfort.

8. Run your appliances at night

Many appliances, like your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer, generate excess heat, making your air conditioner work harder to keep you cool. Running these appliances at night when temperatures are lower can be a simple way to save energy. If you have a time-of-use energy plan, running appliances during off-peak hours may also help you save money, as some providers offer lower electricity rates during these times.

9. Turn off unnecessary appliances

Many electronics and appliances generate heat and draw vampire energy when left plugged in, adding unnecessary strain to your AC and electric costs. Consider turning off and unplugging the following when you’re not using them:

• Computers and monitors
• Televisions
• Gaming consoles
• Coffee makers
• Electric toothbrushes

10. Schedule routine AC maintenance

Regular HVAC maintenance ensures your AC system operates efficiently and can help lower energy consumption. During maintenance visits, HVAC professionals inspect and clean filters and ducts to ensure proper airflow and address wear before it causes problems.

Our experts recommend scheduling spring maintenance visits so your system can be in top condition before the summer heat arrives. A well-maintained unit runs more efficiently and costs less to operate.

11. Understand your electric bill

One of the best ways to save on summer energy costs is to understand your energy bills. Many Texas providers offer bill credits for staying within a certain usage range and time-of-use rates to reward those who shift consumption to off-peak hours. Understanding your current plan details can help you adjust your usage habits for savings. Alternatively, if your current plan doesn’t reward your typical usage habits, consider switching to a new plan that’s better suited to your energy needs.

Frequently asked questions about summer AC savings

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

Yes, keeping your AC on at a higher temperature all day is generally more efficient than turning it on and off. A smart thermostat or scheduled settings can help maintain comfort while maximizing efficiency.

What temperature should my AC be set at during summer?

According to ENERGY STAR, the best AC temperature for energy saving is 78 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. You can also increase the temperature when you are out of the house or asleep to reduce energy use.

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

The best way to save money on air conditioning is to ensure your unit is well-maintained. A faulty AC unit uses more energy because it works less efficiently. Routine maintenance will address any damage to your system and ensure it’s in peak condition.

Do AC units use a lot of electricity?

Yes, AC units are one of the biggest electricity users in Texas homes, especially during the summer. Choosing an energy-efficient unit and keeping up with regular maintenance can help keep costs lower.

Are fans cheaper to run than AC?

Fans are cheaper to run because they move air rather than cool it, but they don’t provide enough relief on their own for a hot Texas day. Pairing fans with your AC improves airflow and helps reduce your overall usage when you increase the thermostat a few degrees.