When summer temperatures soar, it’s tempting to crank the air conditioner and hope for the best. But keeping your home comfortable doesn’t have to mean watching your energy bill climb month after month.

A few simple habits and smart home maintenance strategies can help you stay cool while reducing the strain on your HVAC system—and your wallet. Here are some practical ways to beat the heat without breaking the bank.

Set Your Thermostat Strategically The lower you set your thermostat, the harder your air conditioner has to work. Instead of aiming for an ice-cold home, try setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and a few degrees higher when you’re away.

If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, schedule automatic temperature adjustments throughout the day so you’re not cooling an empty house.

Block Out the Sun Sunlight pouring through your windows can significantly raise your home’s indoor temperature.

Keep your home cooler by:

• Closing blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day
• Using blackout curtains in sun-facing rooms
• Installing reflective window film to reduce heat gain

This simple habit can make a noticeable difference, especially in rooms with large windows.

Change Your Air Filter A dirty HVAC filter restricts airflow, forcing your air conditioner to work harder to cool your home. Check your air filter every month during peak cooling season and replace it as needed—typically every 1 to 3 months, depending on your household and filter type.

A clean filter helps:

• Improve airflow
• Increase efficiency
• Extend the life of your HVAC system
• Improve indoor air quality

Use Ceiling Fans the Right Way Ceiling fans don’t actually cool the air—they create a wind chill effect that makes you feel cooler. During summer, make sure your fan is spinning counterclockwise. This pushes cool air downward and can make a room feel several degrees cooler, allowing you to raise your thermostat without sacrificing comfort.

Just remember to turn fans off when you leave the room since they cool people, not spaces.

Seal Air Leaks Cool air escaping through gaps around doors, windows, and attic openings means your AC has to run longer. Sealing these leaks is an inexpensive project that can improve comfort year-round. Inspect your home for:

• Drafty windows
• Worn weatherstripping
• Cracks around doors
• Gaps where plumbing or wiring enters the home

Avoid Adding Extra Heat Indoors Many everyday activities generate more heat than you might realize. Small changes can help your AC catch a break. On especially hot days:

• Grill outdoors instead of using the oven
• Run dishwashers and laundry machines during the evening
• Switch to LED light bulbs, which produce less heat
• Turn off electronics when they’re not in use

Keep Your Outdoor AC Unit Clear Your outdoor condenser needs room to breathe. Remove leaves, grass clippings, weeds, and other debris from around the unit, leaving at least two feet of clearance on all sides. Good airflow helps your system operate more efficiently.

Schedule Preventive HVAC Maintenance You know this one. Regular maintenance helps your cooling system perform at its best when you need it most. A professional tune-up typically includes:

• Cleaning coils
• Checking refrigerant levels
• Inspecting electrical components
• Verifying airflow
• Identifying small issues before they become expensive repairs

Reduce Indoor Humidity High humidity makes your home feel warmer, even if the temperature hasn’t changed. Lower humidity often allows you to stay comfortable at a slightly higher thermostat setting. Reduce excess moisture by:

• Running bathroom exhaust fans after showers
• Using kitchen exhaust fans while cooking
• Considering a whole-home or portable dehumidifier if humidity is consistently high

Know When Your HVAC Needs Attention If your air conditioner is constantly running, struggling to keep up, making unusual noises, or causing your electric bill to spike unexpectedly, it may need professional service.

Addressing problems early can prevent larger repairs and help restore your system’s efficiency before a minor issue turns into a major breakdown.