Stay Cool for Less: Top Ways to Reduce AC Costs This Summer
We get it at the Alliance for Competitive Power (ACP). As leaders in the fight for smarter, more affordable energy, we’re right here with you - ready to tackle those summer cooling costs together. Let us show you a few creative moves that’ll keep both your home and your wallet chill this season, all while championing the spirit of open, competitive energy markets.
Get Smart With Your Thermostat
You’d be surprised how much control you have. Try nudging it up by just a single degree above 78°F and you might pocket an extra 6 to 8 percent in savings on your electric bill - just ask the folks at Draper and Kramer. Crank up the savings with a programmable thermostat that automatically shifts temperatures when you’re sleeping, at work, or out getting ice cream. The U.S. Department of Energy has a game plan: set that dial as high as you can stand, then let the temp climb by 7 to 10 degrees while you’re away. You could slash your cooling bill by up to 10 percent and still avoid melting indoors!
Let Ceiling Fans Work Their Magic
Fans may not make your room colder, but they absolutely make you feel cooler. That means you can happily raise the thermostat without breaking a sweat. The trick? Only run them while in the room - you’re just spinning your wheels otherwise. If you’re curious, NEAMB explains that fans help you beat summer heat in style and savings. Next time, leave the AC a little higher and fire up the fan while catching your favorite show. You’ll be comfy and saving cash, all at once.
Keep the Sun’s Heat Out
Ever walked into a sun-soaked room and thought, "Why is it so hot in here?" Here’s an easy fix: close curtains or blinds, especially on windows that face the hottest sun. According to experts at Cielo Wigle, this simple habit slashes the workload for your AC and lets you stay cool with less power. Save heavy cooking and oven use for dusk, or fire up the grill outdoors instead. Not only will your house stay cooler, but your summer salad will taste even better in the fresh air.
Tune Up Your Air Conditioner - for Real Savings
A little TLC goes a long way with AC units. Just imagine your AC filter turning the color of last year’s coffee - yikes. Clogged filters and dusty vents force your system to struggle, guzzling more energy for the same result. That’s why we always recommend scheduling a seasonal inspection, swapping filters every month, and dusting those vents regularly. Choose Texas Power is all about the power of preventive care, ensuring you save money for summers to come.
Upgrade for Big-Time Efficiency
If your AC unit is looking a bit tired or you’re in the mood for an upgrade, investing in a high-efficiency system could halve your cooling-related costs. It’s a commitment up front, yes, but the payoff echoes through your future electric bills and helps our environment, too. Why not hang out on the lowest floor of your home to keep things extra cool? Or take your work calls out at the local coffee shop while the sun’s blazing - you’ll save on air conditioning in surprising ways.
Simple Summer Habits for Everyday Savings
Run fans only when someone’s in the room - flip ’em off on your way out
Try no-cook meals or grill outside to avoid heating the kitchen
Seal up window and door leaks - it’s like giving your AC a helping hand
Do laundry and run the dishwasher late at night, when temps are cooler
Drink water throughout the day - staying hydrated helps your body manage heat
As much as 60 percent of some summer electric bills get swallowed up by cooling costs, as highlighted by respected industry experts. Adjusting your habits can seriously shrink that number.
Why Your Choices (and Energy Competition) Matter
Here at ACP, we’re fighting for your right to shop for competitively priced, innovative energy options. When more providers enter the ring, you’re more likely to discover cutting-edge tools - think smart thermostats and hyper-efficient appliances - that put you in command of your comfort, instead of just watching the kilowatts tick by. For a deep dive into how competitive markets lower rates, check out our FTI Study Results or read our energy competition blog post.
FAQ: Your Summer Cooling Questions, Answered
What’s the ideal thermostat setting in summer? Set it as high as you can be comfortable - 78°F when home is a solid bet. Let it rise another 7 to 10 degrees when you’re away or asleep for even greater savings.
Are fans really that helpful? Absolutely. Fans circulate air and cool your skin, letting you set the AC higher. Just don’t leave them running in empty rooms.
How often should I get my AC checked out? We say once a year for a full service. During peak months, swap out filters every one or two months, depending on use.
Where do I find more ideas to save on energy with competition? Catch up on industry news at ACP and snag more tips on our competition success blog post.
Conclusion
Ready to cool off for less and make smarter choices with every summer? Start tuning your thermostat, swap out that dusty filter, draw the curtains, and embrace new energy-saving tools. Curious about the latest tricks or market updates? Visit our news hub or reach out directly. Together, we can shape a cooler, fairer future - one power-smart decision at a time. Stay cool, and let’s save those dollars!
