Smart Ways to Stay Cool and Save
Keeping your home cool in the peak of summer is non-negotiable, especially in places like Las Vegas. But if you’re like many homeowners, you may be looking at your energy bill and wondering if there’s a better way.
Fortunately, there are several proven methods to lower your air conditioning bills without compromising comfort. From small habit changes to smart upgrades, it’s all about working with your system, not against it. Here’s how to keep your cool while keeping more money in your wallet.
Set Your Thermostat Wisely
Your thermostat is one of the most powerful tools for reducing air conditioning bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and higher when you’re away can help reduce energy usage significantly. Even adjusting it by a couple of degrees makes a noticeable difference.
A programmable or smart thermostat can take the guesswork out of this process. These devices automatically adjust your indoor temperature based on your schedule, ensuring comfort when you need it and efficiency when you don’t.
Use Fans to Support Airflow
Fans don’t cool the air, but they do make it feel cooler by moving air across your skin. Ceiling fans, box fans, and oscillating fans can help circulate cool air and make higher thermostat settings feel just as comfortable. This means you can raise the temperature slightly without noticing a big change in comfort.
Just remember to turn fans off when you leave the room. Unlike AC units, fans only cool people, not spaces.
Block the Heat Before It Enters
Sunlight streaming through windows looks beautiful, but it also heats your home quickly. Consider installing blackout curtains, thermal shades, or UV-reflective window film to minimize solar heat gain. Keeping blinds or curtains closed during peak sun hours can keep indoor temperatures lower and reduce the strain on your cooling system.
Sealing air leaks around doors and windows also keeps warm air out and cool air in, helping your system work less to maintain a consistent temperature.
Keep Up With Routine Maintenance
An inefficient AC system is often the culprit behind high air conditioning bills. Dirt, dust, and wear and tear build up over time and force your system to work harder.
Regular maintenance, including filter replacements every 2 to 3 months and annual professional tune-ups, can keep your system running at peak performance. A licensed HVAC technician can catch small problems before they become expensive issues and ensure that airflow, refrigerant levels, and components are all functioning properly.
Routine maintenance is one of the most cost-effective ways to extend your unit’s lifespan and keep energy costs in check.
Cook Outside When You Can
Summer cooking indoors generates a lot of heat. Ovens and stoves can raise your kitchen’s temperature by several degrees, causing your AC to kick into overdrive.
Consider using an outdoor grill or slow cooker instead. Not only will your home stay cooler, but your AC won’t have to compensate for the added heat. It’s a small change that adds up over time, especially during heatwaves.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Every appliance in your home contributes to your overall cooling load. If your appliances are outdated or inefficient, they generate more heat and use more power. When upgrading, look for ENERGY STAR® rated appliances that use less energy and give off less heat. ENERGY STAR’s website offers great resources to compare energy-efficient models.
Also, unplug electronics and chargers when they’re not in use. Many devices draw power and generate heat even when turned off.
Insulate Your Home
Proper insulation helps keep your cool air inside and the hot desert air out. If your home is poorly insulated, your AC has to work overtime to maintain your desired temperature.
Check your attic, walls, and ductwork for insulation issues. Adding or upgrading insulation in key areas can lead to noticeable savings on your monthly energy bills. Even weather-stripping around doors and windows can make a measurable difference.
Consider Zoning Systems or Mini-Splits
Zoning allows you to cool only the areas you’re using, rather than the entire home. Mini-split systems or zoned central air setups are ideal for larger homes or households with different comfort preferences in different rooms.
By only cooling what you need, when you need it, zoning can help bring down your air conditioning bills while improving overall comfort.
Shade Your AC Unit
Your outdoor condenser unit performs best when it stays cool. If it’s in direct sun, it can overheat and work less efficiently.
Planting shrubs or placing a shade screen around the unit (without blocking airflow) can help it run more effectively. A cooler condenser means less strain on the system and better cooling inside your home.
Know When to Upgrade
If your system is over 10–15 years old, it might be costing you more than it should. Older units typically have lower SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings and lack the energy-saving features of newer models.
While replacing your system requires an upfront investment, the long-term savings on air conditioning bills can be substantial. High-efficiency units are designed to cool more with less energy, giving you consistent comfort and lower costs.
Let Air Supply Help You Save
Smart energy habits and home upgrades go a long way in reducing your air conditioning bills, but nothing beats expert insight. At Air Supply, we help Las Vegas homeowners stay comfortable and energy-efficient with trusted HVAC services and honest advice.
If your energy bills are climbing or your system isn’t keeping up, let us take a look. We’ll help you find the best solutions for your home, your budget, and your comfort.
Schedule your tune-up or system evaluation with Air Supply today!