When the summer heat hits, your cooling system works harder, and your energy costs rise. Air conditioning accounts for a significant share of household energy use, and even small inefficiencies can add up quickly.

But here’s the upside: cutting your energy costs doesn’t mean sweating through July or overworking your cooling system. With the right energy-saving tips, you can maintain a comfortable home while making your system more efficient and your bills more manageable.

In this article, we’ll walk you through:

• How to set your thermostat for maximum comfort and savings
• When and how to use ceiling fans to reduce cooling loads
• Simple ways to block out unwanted heat
• Tips for keeping your HVAC system running at peak performance
• Low-effort weatherproofing strategies that make a big difference

These expert-approved tips are easy to implement and don’t require major upgrades or renovations. 

By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear, actionable plan to stay cool, reduce strain on your system, and save energy, without sacrificing comfort.

Set Your Thermostat Smarter, Not Colder

It’s tempting to blast the AC at 68°F when the summer heat rolls in, but that habit can drain your energy budget fast.

For a more efficient approach, aim to keep your thermostat between 76°F and 78°F while you’re home. When you’re away, bump it up a few degrees to reduce cooling costs without sacrificing comfort when you return. This small shift can make a noticeable difference over time.

If you haven’t upgraded already, consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat—a simple way to boost comfort and control your energy use. These devices learn your schedule and adjust settings automatically, so you stay comfortable without the need to constantly fuss with the thermostat.

Quick Tip: For each degree you set the thermostat above 72°F, you can save up to 3% on your cooling bill, without feeling the difference indoors. Even a few small changes can lead to noticeable savings on electricity usage over the summer.

Let Ceiling Fans Do the Heavy Lifting

Ceiling fans don’t actually cool the air. They help you feel cooler by improving air circulation. That breeze across your skin helps you feel cooler, even if the room temperature doesn’t change.

That’s why fans can be a smart addition to your cooling strategy. When used properly, they allow you to raise the thermostat by about 4°F without sacrificing comfort.

To get the most out of your ceiling fans:

• In summer, make sure the blades spin counterclockwise to push cool air down.
• Only run fans in rooms you’re using. They cool people, not the space itself.

This simple change can make your air conditioner more efficient, helping lower your electricity bill while keeping your home just as comfortable.

Block the Heat Before It Gets In

Natural light can brighten up a space, but during summer, it can also raise the indoor temperature.

To keep your home cooler and reduce the strain on your air conditioner, try to use blackout curtains, reflective shades, or solar window film to block heat and light during peak hours (10 AM–4 PM), without sacrificing natural light.

This helps prevent indoor heat gain, making it easier for your AC system to keep up and helping you stay comfortable without having to constantly adjust the thermostat.

Keep Your HVAC in Fighting Shape

Your HVAC system works hard to keep your home comfortable, especially in the summer. Regular HVAC maintenance helps improve air flow, keep your system reliable, and support long-term energy efficiency.

To keep things running smoothly:

• Swap out air filters every 1 to 3 months. Dirty filters restrict airflow and force your system to work harder than necessary.
• Clear debris around your outdoor unit. Leaves, grass, and dirt can block airflow and reduce efficiency. Also, check for dust buildup on vents and coils to ensure optimal performance.
• Inspect ductwork for visible air leaks or blockages. Even small gaps can lead to significant energy loss in both air conditioning and heating and cooling systems.
• Schedule a seasonal tune-up with a professional HVAC technician to catch minor issues before they become big problems, including servicing advanced systems like a heat pump.

Seal, Insulate, and Save

Even if your AC runs efficiently, cool air can still slip out through unsealed cracks and poorly insulated spaces, forcing your system to work harder and making it more difficult to save energy.

To keep that cool air in and the summer heat out:

• Apply weather stripping to doors and windows to close small gaps that let air escape.
• Use caulk to seal cracks along baseboards, wall joints, and other problem areas around the home.
• Add or upgrade insulation in key areas like attics, walls, and crawl spaces to reduce heat transfer and stabilize indoor temperatures.

Insulation helps year-round, but in summer, it’s your first line of defense against unwanted heat and a powerful way to lower cooling costs.

Stay Cool, Spend Less

You don’t need a full system overhaul or to pay enormous amounts of money to keep your home comfortable in the summer. As we’ve explored, small, intentional changes can add up to significant savings.

Using a smart thermostat, adjusting your settings, using ceiling fans strategically, blocking heat from entering through windows, maintaining your HVAC system, and sealing air leaks are all simple ways to save energy and stay comfortable. These aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions but a flexible set of tools you can tailor to your home, habits, and budget.

And if you’re unsure whether your HVAC system is running at its best, that’s where we come in.At Rod Miller, our experienced technicians can perform a seasonal system check to ensure everything is working efficiently and safely. It’s a simple way to extend the life of your equipment, avoid surprise breakdowns, and stay comfortable all summer. Request your HVAC inspection today.