Beat the heat: A guide to cooling your home on a budget

Summer is just around the corner and vacation temperatures are coming in hot. The National Weather Service predicts that from August to October, temperatures will be between 33% and 60% above normal.

Staying cool is more than loading up on popsicles, especially if you are on a budget and want to temper your energy bills. Utility costs increase during the summer and winter months when households crank up their heaters or air conditioning units. This summer will be no exception, but the right preparation can help you save on costs. 

Whether it’s using a home warranty to keep your HVAC system running or planting shady shrubs around your house, we have seven energy-saving strategies to keep you cool. 

7 best ways to keep your house cool

Living in a hot environment is uncomfortable, but running your air conditioner on high daily can quickly get expensive. In fact, in 2020, heating and cooling accounted for more than half of energy use in U.S. homes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The good news is you can implement strategies to keep your home cool without breaking the bank. 

If you want to reduce energy costs this summer, follow these tips. 

Maintain your HVAC system

Having the right air conditioning system can be a big money saver. Energy Star-certified equipment can save between 10% and 30% in annual energy bill costs, according to the U.S.  Department of Energy (DOE). 

But if your HVAC unit breaks, it can be expensive to replace. According to our November 2023 survey, more than 50% of respondents paid between $5,000 and $20,000 to replace their system. 

Signing up for a home warranty that covers HVAC can help mitigate repairs and expensive service calls. On average, you can expect to pay $94 per month or $1,033 annually for a home warranty, according to our survey findings.

Whether you have an old or new system, regular maintenance can keep your HVAC unit running at optimum efficiency — a clogged air filter can make the coils dirty and hinder efficiency. Replacing dust-filled filters can drop AC energy consumption by 5% to 15%. 

Note that home warranty coverage doesn’t automatically include HVAC tune-ups, but it is an optional add-on with many plans. 

Use ceiling fans

While ceiling fans will not actually cool your house, they can make you feel cool. You can lower your AC cost by as much as 14% if you raise the thermostat temperature by just 2 degrees and use a ceiling fan instead, according to Energy Star. Don’t forget to switch off the fan when you leave the room. 

Plant on the sunny side of your home

A bit of landscaping can shield your house from scorching rays and give it curb appeal. A tree-shaded area is about 6 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than one without shade. If your house is under a canopy of trees, that space can be 25 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the blacktop road across the street, reported the DOE. 

Shade your roof with taller trees with full crowns facing the south side of your home. Keep afternoon rays at bay by adding more greenery to the west side of your house. PlantNative is a good resource if you need help finding plants best suited for your area’s climate

Add a solar attic fan

Your attic may be out of sight, but it shouldn’t be out of mind. High temps in your attic can seep into your home and raise the inside temperature, making your AC work harder. A solar attic fan improves circulation by helping to force hot air out of your attic and let in cooler outdoor air through the vents. Since these fans are solar-powered, their use adds nothing to your energy bill.

Give your windows TLC

Pay attention to your windows. When it comes to energy costs, your windows have a big impact. Nearly one-third of your cooling and heating energy use comes through your windows, reported the DOE.

The least expensive approach to prevent summer rays from heating your rooms is to install blackout curtains or shades. Tempting as it may be to open up windows during the day to catch a breeze, retain the cool air inside by locking hot weather out. 

Air-sealing old windows can make a difference. You can also caulk windows to minimize gaps. This home improvement project saves on heating and cooling costs throughout the year and keeps pests out. 

While you can DIY some air sealing and caulking projects, consult a window installer who can optimize the process or replace your windows entirely. If you don’t have a big budget for a window replacement, consider storm windows, shutters or solar screens. 

Adding insulation and sealing air leaks around your entire home can save you as much as $190 annually, Energy Star reports. Doors and attics matter too: Weather strip doors, add foam sealant to large gaps and install foam gaskets behind outlets to maintain indoor temperature. 

Open windows at night to cross-ventilate

A cool night breeze can be beneficial when it comes to reducing the indoor temperature. A good rule of thumb is that your windows should be closed if it is hotter outside than inside. That’s because hot air from outside can enter your home and raise the overall temperature. 

But at night, when temperatures drop, keeping the windows open can allow cooler air to flow through and reduce your home’s temperature. 

Avoid running appliances during the day

Major appliances such as the clothes dryer, dishwasher or stove give off heat and can increase the temperature in your home. Avoid using them during the hottest part of the day. 

Of course, it’s not always possible to skip appliances entirely, but shifting your schedule a bit can make a big difference. For instance, make breakfast earlier or save laundry for late evening. 

What’s next?

The summer of 2024 is expected to be a hot one. But you don’t have to sweat high energy bills if you follow these cooling strategies. From running the ceiling fan to installing a solar attic fan — you can do a little or a lot to minimize energy consumption and lower utility bills.

Homeowners with a bigger budget can reap even more benefits by upgrading to energy-efficient windows and an HVAC system with a high SEER rating.