It is possible to effectively cool your home during the summer without significantly increasing your electric bill. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), nearly 90 percent of American homes are equipped with air conditioners, which collectively consume six percent of the nation's electricity production, amounting to a staggering $29 billion annual cost for homeowners.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that households will spend an average of $176 per month on electricity bills during June, July, and August 2023, with a substantial portion attributed to the operation of air conditioning systems as temperatures rise. In fact, air conditioning typically contributes to about 12 percent of monthly power bills, and this figure can surge to as much as 27 percent in hot and humid states such as Florida or Louisiana, based on the latest federal data. Unfortunately, the impact of climate change is expected to further exacerbate the situation, leading to an 8 to 13 percent rise in energy demand from air conditioning usage over the next decade, as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency and the American Geophysical Union.

Furthermore, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts that utility companies will likely raise their rates by an average of 2 percent this summer, potentially increasing the financial burden on American households. The good news is that there are practical ways to reduce the cost of cooling your home without exceeding your budget or depleting your savings. Here are some effective strategies to help you save money on air conditioning and consequently lower your electric bill.

1. Service Your Air Conditioner

Investing in routine maintenance for your air conditioning unit may not be glamorous, but it can significantly reduce its energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, simply cleaning the filters can lower your unit’s energy use by 5 to 15 percent. If your surroundings are dusty or if you have pets, you may need to clean or replace the filters more frequently to maintain efficiency. A clogged or dirty filter can obstruct airflow and decrease the unit’s overall efficiency. It is recommended to keep the filter clean to ensure good air movement and maintain proper condensation drainage, as advised by Scheckel. The coils in the evaporator and condenser also require regular cleaning as they tend to accumulate dirt and dust. Outdoor condenser coils can become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, so it's important to trim foliage and keep the surrounding area clean. Regularly check the coil fins to ensure they are not bent and obstructing the airflow for optimal performance. According to a recent survey by DuraPlas, only 30 percent of homeowners schedule preventative maintenance for their AC units, despite its potential benefits. Ensuring that your unit and air ducts are clean is a proactive step toward maximizing home energy efficiency during the warm summer months.

2. Install Ceiling Fans

To maximize air circulation in your home, the Department of Energy recommends installing and running ceiling fans on the upper level and opening windows on the lower level. If your residence is a single-story structure, it's advisable to close windows near the fan and open windows in rooms distant from the fan, particularly on the windward side of your home. According to energy consultant Paul Scheckel of Parsec Energy Consulting, running a ceiling fan allows you to increase your thermostat setting by approximately 4 degrees while still maintaining a comfortable environment. During the summer, it is suggested to operate ceiling fans in a counterclockwise direction and to switch them off when leaving a room. Furthermore, Scheckel explains that the movement of air aids in the evaporation of sweat from the skin, which contributes to a cooling effect. This process, known as evaporational cooling, is highly efficient in dissipating heat, and providing a little assistance can enhance its effectiveness.

3. Put Shade Around The House

To reduce the heat accumulation inside your house, consider planting leafy trees around the exterior. According to John Krigger, the founder and president of Saturn Resource Management in Helena, Montana, most of the heat inside a house comes from direct sun exposure on the roof and through windows. Krigger, an energy conservation specialist, emphasizes the importance of planting tall trees on the south side of the property and broad trees to the west and east to effectively block the sun's rays. He advises placing tall trees to the west and east if there are large windows facing those directions, as the sun's rays are low in the sky during morning and afternoon. Additionally, Krigger suggests investing in tall trees placed strategically, as it can significantly impact the effectiveness of shading around the house.

4. Seal Any Leaks

A drafty house is not an energy-efficient house. To address this issue, it's important to conduct a visual inspection both inside and outside the home to identify gaps, cracks, and openings where air can enter or escape. While windows and doors are common areas to check, there are numerous other locations susceptible to air leakage, such as where the home's foundation meets the exterior brick or siding. For a comprehensive evaluation of your property's energy efficiency, it is advisable to enlist the expertise of a professional technician for an energy audit. A professional can identify energy-inefficient leaks in less obvious areas and provide insights on additional insulation requirements.

5. Avoid Using The Stove And Oven

During hot days, your air conditioner faces strain from both the high temperatures and the extra heat generated inside your home, especially when using major appliances like the stove or oven. To reduce the strain on your air conditioner, consider using these major appliances at night when the temperature is cooler. If possible, building an outdoor kitchen can also help lessen the extra workload on your air conditioner, as it will still use energy but won't add to the strain on your air conditioner. Another helpful tip is to turn on the kitchen exhaust fan after cooking to remove excess heat from the indoor environment. Similarly, running the bathroom exhaust fan after a hot shower can aid in dissipating the heat, further easing the load on your air conditioner. For a natural alternative to using the hot dryer inside your house, consider constructing an old-fashioned clothesline to hang your laundered garments outside, reducing the need for additional heat-generating appliances.

6. Open Windows and Close Doors

To improve your home ventilation, consider strategizing how you use your windows and air conditioning. If you live in a region where the temperature drops after sundown, it's a friendly idea to turn off your air conditioner and let the natural breezes cool your home during the night. It's interesting to note that almost one-third of the DuraPlas poll respondents were trying this trick. It's important to acknowledge that this approach may not be suitable for those living in the South or Midwest. However, all residents, regardless of their region, can benefit from sealing off rooms that are not in use. Closing doors and vents can effectively redirect chilled air toward the areas where you spend time, helping you save on cooling costs by not cooling empty parts of your home. This simple step can contribute to keeping your cooling bills lower throughout the day and night.

7. Unplug Devices Not In Use

This helpful tip can save you money all year long, not just on air conditioning expenses. During the warmer months, when your energy bill is likely to be at its highest, unplugging devices and appliances that are not in use can help you reduce your electricity costs. If you use mobile or window-unit air conditioners in your home, it's a good idea to unplug them completely when you don't need them. It may not be the most efficient choice to unplug them every time you leave the house, but if you're going on a week-long trip or vacation, unplugging ACs and other appliances like your television, desktop computer, or gaming system can make a significant difference in trimming your energy bill while you're away.

8. Go To The Basement

We all know that heat naturally moves upwards, which is why it's a good idea to consider camping out in the basement if you have one. However, it's important to avoid opening basement windows when it's humid, as warm, moist air can lead to condensation on cool surfaces like basement walls, ultimately raising the humidity in your home, as explained by Scheckel. To enhance your comfort, you might also consider installing a dehumidifier in the basement.