Energy Efficiency Tips to Lower Your Cooling Bills
By the LocalXR Team|Published:
Winning the War Against Summer Heat (and High Bills)
For most homeowners, air conditioning is the single biggest contributor to their summer electricity bills. While a cool and comfortable home is a necessity, the resulting financial sting doesn't have to be. By adopting a few smart habits and making some simple adjustments, you can drastically improve your HVAC system's efficiency and keep more money in your pocket.
This guide covers the most effective, low-effort strategies to lower your cooling bills without sacrificing your comfort.
1. Master Your Thermostat
Your thermostat is the command center for your energy usage. Using it wisely is the #1 way to save money.
- Set It and Forget It: The most efficient way to cool is to set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature (e.g., 78°F or 26°C) and leave it there. Constantly turning the AC on and off or making drastic temperature changes forces the system to work harder and uses more energy.
- Go Warmer When You're Away: For every degree you raise the temperature for 8 hours a day (like when you're at work or sleeping), you can save up to 1% on your cooling costs. A programmable or smart thermostat can do this for you automatically.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat: A smart thermostat learns your habits, can be controlled from your phone, and uses smart recovery features to cool your home in the most efficient way possible. It's one of the best energy-saving investments you can make.
2. Airflow is Everything
Efficient cooling depends on unrestricted airflow. Any blockage forces your system to work overtime.
- Change Your Air Filter Religiously: We can't say it enough. A dirty, clogged filter is a primary cause of high energy bills and system strain. Check it monthly during the summer.
- Keep Vents Clear: Ensure all supply and return air vents are open and not blocked by furniture, rugs, or drapes.
- Use Ceiling Fans: A ceiling fan creates a wind-chill effect that can make a room feel up to 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat setting without sacrificing comfort. Remember: fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.
3. Block Out the Sun
The sun streaming through your windows is a massive source of unwanted heat, a phenomenon known as solar heat gain. Blocking it is a free and effective way to keep your home cooler.
- Use Blinds and Curtains: Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows.
- Consider Window Film: Applying reflective window film is an inexpensive way to block a significant amount of solar heat gain without obstructing your view.
4. Reduce Indoor Heat Sources
Your appliances generate a surprising amount of heat, forcing your AC to work harder to compensate.
- Cook Smarter: Use your oven and stove less during peak heat. Opt for a microwave, toaster oven, or outdoor grill instead.
- Run Appliances at Night: Run heat-producing appliances like your dishwasher and clothes dryer late in the evening or overnight.
- Turn Off Unused Electronics: TVs, computers, and game consoles all generate heat when they're on or in standby mode.
5. Invest in Professional Maintenance
An annual tune-up from a qualified HVAC technician is not an expense—it's an investment in efficiency. A professional cleaning of the coils, checking refrigerant levels, and testing components ensures your system is running at peak performance, which directly translates to lower energy bills.