Ask the HVAC Expert: How Can I Lower Cooling Costs?

In our Ask the HVAC Expert series, HVAC.com answers real homeowner questions about heating, cooling, and everything in between.

Summer’s in full swing, and if your energy bills are climbing just as fast as the temperature, you’re not alone. Keeping your home cool and comfy can get expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. We asked Dave, one of our trusted HVAC experts here at HVAC.com, to share some easy, affordable tips for lowering cooling costs without sacrificing comfort.

Set Your Thermostat Smartly

One of the easiest ways to cut energy costs is by adjusting your thermostat.

“Every degree counts,” says Dave. “Set your thermostat between 75 and 78°F when you’re home, and bump it up a few degrees when you’re away – it can really add up over time. If that feels too warm at first, ease into it by adjusting just a couple of degrees.”

If you have a programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat, take advantage of scheduling features to avoid cooling an empty house.

Close Blinds and Curtains During the Day

Natural sunlight is great, except when it heats up your home like an oven on a hot summer’s day.

“People don’t realize how much heat enters through the windows,” Dave says. “Keeping blinds or curtains closed, especially on south- and west-facing windows, can help your AC work a lot less.”

You can also consider thermal curtains or window films that block UV rays and reduce heat gain, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

Use Ceiling Fans Wisely

Ceiling fans don’t actually cool the air, but they do make you feel cooler by circulating air and helping sweat evaporate faster.

“Running ceiling fans lets you raise the thermostat a few degrees without noticing a difference in comfort,” Dave explains. “Just make sure they’re spinning counterclockwise in the summer.”

Also, turn off fans when you leave a room. Since they cool people – not air – they’re only helpful when someone’s around to enjoy the breeze.

Keep Your System Maintained

Your air conditioner is like a car; it needs regular maintenance to run efficiently. Consider the following tips to keep your AC running efficiently all summer long.

• Change your air filter every 1-3 months
• Keep debris and vegetation away from the outdoor unit
• Schedule annual professional tune-ups

Avoid Heat-Producing Activities in the Afternoon

Using your oven, dryer, or dishwasher in the heat of the day adds extra warmth to your home, making your AC work even harder. Instead, consider shifting those tasks to the early morning or evening when it’s cooler to give your AC a break.

Seal Up Leaks and Insulate

A lot of cool air escapes through gaps around doors, windows, or attic hatches, especially in older homes.

“Cooling your home shouldn’t mean cooling the neighborhood,” Dave jokes. “Seal up leaks with weatherstripping or caulk, and consider upgrading insulation if your attic gets blazing hot.”

Keeping the cool air inside helps your system work more efficiently – and keeps your comfort consistent.

Also, check for any duct leaks and seal them with mastic tape. ENERGY STAR estimates that as much as 20-30 percent of conditioned air can escape through ductwork that is damaged or improperly installed.

Manage Your Home’s Humidity

You’ve probably heard the saying – it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity. High humidity levels can make your home feel warmer, stickier, and just plain uncomfortable. While your air conditioner is designed to remove moisture from the air, older systems or single-stage units often struggle to keep up on especially humid days.

Upgrading to a two-stage or variable-speed air conditioner can make a big difference. These systems run longer at lower speeds, allowing them to pull more moisture from the air and keep your home feeling cooler.

“Lowering humidity can be a game changer,” says Dave. “When your air feels less muggy, you can actually raise the thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort – and that means lower energy bills.”

Use an Attic Fan

Attic fans help expel hot air trapped in your attic, which can reduce the temperature of your entire home, especially during the peak of summer. By lowering the attic temperature, your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the rooms below.

Installing an attic fan is a relatively low-cost upgrade that can improve ventilation, extend the life of your roof, and make your home more energy efficient.

Know When It’s Time for a New System

Sometimes, the best way to lower cooling costs is to invest in a more efficient air conditioner.

Today’s systems have much higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings than those built even a decade ago. That means they use less energy to deliver the same – or better – cooling.

“If your system is more than 10-15 years old, it might be running up your energy bill without you realizing it,” Dave says. “A new, properly sized system can cut your cooling costs significantly. Plus, you’ll get better performance and fewer breakdowns along the way.”