Did you know our electricity usage at homes during the summer has nearly doubled since 1973? Due to temperature rises, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently announced that this summer might come with even higher energy bills than last year’s, with an average of $173 per household. Furthermore, seven states could be at risk of electricity supply shortages this season if there’s more demand for energy than anticipated.

We know keeping your home cool during the scorcher can be challenging… and expensive. So, you surely wonder how to save on energy with AC usage.

Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Find out how to save on your electric bill without sacrificing your home comfort.

What You Need to Know About Your Electric Bill

If you’re looking for ways to save on your electric bill, first, you have to know what you’re paying for. Have you noticed your energy bill is about three times pricier than your water bill and about two times more expensive compared to natural gas? What you pay for electricity is the result of factors like:

Climate: Hotter climates lead to more frequent use of air conditioning, significantly increasing energy consumption.
Home size: Larger homes require more energy to cool and power.
Location: Electricity rates vary by state. For example, Utah has some of the lowest rates, while Hawaii has the highest.
Number of appliances: The more appliances you have, especially older or inefficient models, the higher your energy usage.
Your energy-consumption habits: Leaving lights on, setting the thermostat too low, and using high-energy appliances frequently can all contribute to a higher electric bill.

Understanding these factors can help you identify where to focus your efforts to save on energy.

Electrical Appliances Power Consumption Chart

To effectively manage your energy consumption and figure out ways to save on your electric bill, you need to know the biggest energy hogs in your electrical system. Here’s a breakdown of how electricity usage is typically distributed in American homes:

Air conditioning and space heating: 52%
Water heating, lighting, and refrigeration: 25%
Other devices and appliances: 23%

Cooling and heating are responsible for more than half of your energy bills. Even if it’s seasonal, with summers getting warmer and warmer, air conditioning is an area to watch if you want to lower your electrical expenses! Keep reading to find out how to save energy with your AC.

How to Save On Your Electric Bill With Your AC

Almost 90% of American households have air conditioners. Did you know ACs use about 5% of all the energy produced in the U.S., releasing more than 100 million tons of carbon dioxide into the air each year? That’s about two tons per home, according to Energy Saver.

Finding ways to reduce your electric bill benefits your economy, but also has a positive impact on our planet. So, it’s time to set your AC on “saving energy” mode!

Below are the major ways to save energy without suffering in the heat:

1. Know Your AC’s SEER Rating

Understanding your Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating is key to achieving your AC saving energy goals. The SEER rating measures how effectively your air conditioner operates over a typical cooling season—the higher, the better!

Check if you have an energy-efficient air conditioner by taking a look at the SEER rating in the yellow EnergyGuide label on your unit, or consult the user manual. Modern ACs typically have ratings ranging from 15 to 26. If yours has a rating below 14, it’s worth considering an upgrade to comply with U.S. efficiency requirements. Newer, more energy-efficient air conditioners can reduce your electricity use up to 50% while providing better cooling.

2. Smart Cooling Starts With a Smart Thermostat

One of the best ways to save energy is with a smart thermostat. This can help you by automatically adjusting the temperature based on your preferred schedule. Using a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 annually in energy costs. Here’s how to get the greatest benefits from your thermostat:

Install it on interior walls away from heat sources and drafts.
Set energy-saving temperatures when you’re away or sleeping.
Use the “hold” button for vacations.
Avoid overriding the pre-programmed settings to maintain efficiency.
Use multiple thermostats for different home zones if the temperature varies.
Change batteries annually.
If you have a heat pump, you might need a special thermostat, so we suggest asking your HVAC contractor before choosing just any thermostat.

3. Nothing like a Good AC Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your air conditioner running smoothly for as long as possible and preventing costly repairs. Here’s how to save on energy with AC while taking care of it too!

Check coils: To maintain efficiency, check and clean the evaporator and condenser coils annually.
Clear debris: Keep the area around your outdoor unit free of leaves and debris, and trim the foliage back at least two feet for proper airflow.
Filter upkeep: Replace or clean filters every 1–2 months, especially if you use your AC for long hours, in dusty conditions, or have furry pets. Clean filters can reduce energy consumption by up to 15%.
Schedule professional maintenance: At least once a year, have a professional AC contractor check refrigerant levels, seal duct leaks, measure airflow, inspect electric terminals, and oil motors, and verify your thermostat accuracy.
Shade the unit: Shading your outside unit can increase efficiency by up to 10%.

4. Properly Insulated Ducts Make the Difference!

Did you know that duct leaks can account for more than 20% to 30% of your heating and cooling energy consumption? Here’s how to tell if your ducts are struggling:

Are certain rooms always stuffy?
Are some rooms tough to heat or cool?
Are your ducts in attics, crawlspaces, or garages?
Have you seen tangled or kinked ducts?
Notice higher energy bills in summer and winter?

While you can tackle some fixes, a professional contractor will ensure your ducts are properly sealed and insulated using quality materials and find leaks you might miss.

5. Keep Your Cool With Energy-Efficient Windows

Your windows are responsible for 25%–30% of the energy used to control your home’s temperature. Having energy-efficient windows can make a huge difference in maintaining your home’s coolness and reducing energy bills.

Here’s what you can do:

If your current windows are in good shape, you can boost their efficiency with a few simple updates. Also:

Add a solar control film.
Install storm windows as an extra layer of insulation.
Seal air leaks with caulk or weatherstripping.
Use awnings or blinds to keep the sun out.

If it’s time for new windows, seek options with ENERGY STAR and NFRC labels.

And don’t forget, proper installation is key! Have your windows installed by professionals to ensure you’ll stay cool, save money, and enjoy a more comfortable home.

Other Ways to Save Energy at Home

Beyond your air conditioning, there are several other ways to reduce your energy consumption and lower your electric bill:

Ceiling fans: Try raising the temperature on your thermostat and installing ceiling fans to cut down on AC use.
Efficient lighting: Use the popular energy-efficient LED bulbs, which use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Run appliances during cooler hours: Schedule your laundry and dishwashing during the cooler parts of the day to prevent warmth in the scorcher.
Smart cooking: Use a microwave or toaster oven for smaller meals to avoid heating up your kitchen with your stove or oven.
Unplug devices: Many electronics continue to use energy even when turned off. Unplugging them can prevent “phantom” energy usage.

By finding ways to save electricity and making simple changes in your day to day, you can make sure your home remains comfortable all summer long without overloading your bills.

Keep Cool & Find More Ways to Save Electricity

As the summer heat intensifies, it’s more important than ever to manage your power consumption and keep your electric bills in check. With the right strategies and your AC saving energy, you can cool your home comfortably without breaking the bank.

Remember, if you need any cooling service, whether it’s an AC tune-up or upgrading to a more energy-efficient air conditioner, our team of experts is here to help. Enjoy cool air, comfortable, and cost-effective summer months!

Hot Summer, Cool Bills: Ways to Save on Energy This Season