Energy Efficiency
15 Ways to Cut Your Summer Cooling Costs Without Sacrificing Comfort
June 15, 2024•7 min read
Bay Area summers are getting hotter. The good news? You don't have to choose between comfort and high energy bills. Here are 15 proven strategies to reduce your cooling costs.
1. Get a Tune-Up Before Summer
A well-maintained AC runs 15-20% more efficiently than a neglected one. Schedule HVAC maintenance in spring before the rush. Our summer AC preparation guide walks you through what to expect.
A well-maintained AC runs 15-20% more efficiently than a neglected one. Schedule HVAC maintenance in spring before the rush. Our summer AC preparation guide walks you through what to expect.
2. Change Your Filter Monthly
A dirty filter makes your system work harder. Check it monthly during summer and replace when dirty. This simple step can reduce energy consumption by 5-15%. Learn more in our maintenance checklist.
A dirty filter makes your system work harder. Check it monthly during summer and replace when dirty. This simple step can reduce energy consumption by 5-15%. Learn more in our maintenance checklist.
3. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
Automatic temperature adjustments when you're away or sleeping save 10-15% on cooling. Our smart thermostat guide compares the best options.
Automatic temperature adjustments when you're away or sleeping save 10-15% on cooling. Our smart thermostat guide compares the best options.
4. Raise the Temperature When Away
Every degree higher saves about 3% on cooling costs. Set your thermostat to 78°F when home and 85°F when away. Smart thermostats make this automatic.
Every degree higher saves about 3% on cooling costs. Set your thermostat to 78°F when home and 85°F when away. Smart thermostats make this automatic.
5. Use Ceiling Fans
Fans create a wind-chill effect that lets you feel comfortable at higher thermostat settings. Remember: fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.
Fans create a wind-chill effect that lets you feel comfortable at higher thermostat settings. Remember: fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.
6. Block the Sun
Close blinds and curtains on sun-facing windows during the hottest parts of the day. This can reduce cooling needs by up to 30% in some homes.
Close blinds and curtains on sun-facing windows during the hottest parts of the day. This can reduce cooling needs by up to 30% in some homes.
7. Seal Air Leaks
Gaps around windows, doors, and other openings let cooled air escape. Weatherstripping and caulk are inexpensive fixes that pay for themselves quickly.
Gaps around windows, doors, and other openings let cooled air escape. Weatherstripping and caulk are inexpensive fixes that pay for themselves quickly.
8. Check Your Ductwork
Leaky ducts can waste 20-30% of your cooling. If your home has hot spots or high bills despite a newer system, duct sealing might be the answer.
Leaky ducts can waste 20-30% of your cooling. If your home has hot spots or high bills despite a newer system, duct sealing might be the answer.
9. Cook Smart
Ovens and stovetops add heat to your home. Use the microwave, outdoor grill, or prepare cold meals during heat waves. Run the range hood when cooking.
Ovens and stovetops add heat to your home. Use the microwave, outdoor grill, or prepare cold meals during heat waves. Run the range hood when cooking.
10. Manage Humidity
Humidity makes heat feel worse. Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, and consider a dehumidifier if your home feels sticky. Good humidity control is also key for indoor air quality.
Humidity makes heat feel worse. Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, and consider a dehumidifier if your home feels sticky. Good humidity control is also key for indoor air quality.
11. Schedule Heat-Generating Activities
Run dishwashers, dryers, and other appliances in the evening when it's cooler. These add heat that your AC must remove.
Run dishwashers, dryers, and other appliances in the evening when it's cooler. These add heat that your AC must remove.
12. Consider Window Film
Reflective window film can block significant solar heat gain without blocking your view. It's particularly effective on west-facing windows.
Reflective window film can block significant solar heat gain without blocking your view. It's particularly effective on west-facing windows.
13. Insulate Your Attic
A hot attic radiates heat down into your living space. Proper attic insulation keeps that heat out and reduces cooling loads significantly.
A hot attic radiates heat down into your living space. Proper attic insulation keeps that heat out and reduces cooling loads significantly.
14. Shade Your Outdoor Unit
If your AC condenser sits in direct sun, shading it (without blocking airflow) can improve efficiency by up to 10%.
If your AC condenser sits in direct sun, shading it (without blocking airflow) can improve efficiency by up to 10%.
15. Know When to Replace
If your AC is over 10 years old, a new high-efficiency model could cut cooling costs 20-40%. Our guide on when to replace your AC helps you decide. Check out our SEER ratings guide to understand efficiency ratings.
If your AC is over 10 years old, a new high-efficiency model could cut cooling costs 20-40%. Our guide on when to replace your AC helps you decide. Check out our SEER ratings guide to understand efficiency ratings.