Smarter Cooling for Summer

As summer approaches, many households brace for high energy bills from running the air conditioner. Cooling is the second-largest energy use in homes after heating, and in hot months it can dominate your electricity bill (EIA, 2023). But staying cool doesn’t have to drain your wallet—or the planet.

Why Cooling Costs So Much

Air conditioning alone accounts for about 12% of U.S. household energy use (EIA, 2023). During peak summer afternoons, when everyone blasts their AC, the demand on the power grid skyrockets. That extra demand is often met by firing up fossil fuel power plants, which means more greenhouse gas emissions and higher electricity rates for everyone.

In fact, the U.S. EPA notes that summer electricity spikes are a major contributor to seasonal carbon emissions (EPA, 2023).

Smarter Cooling Strategies

So, how can we stay comfortable without overloading the grid—or our wallets?

1. Set your thermostat wisely: The Department of Energy recommends 78°F (26°C) when you’re home and higher when you’re away. Each degree higher can save about 3–5% on cooling costs (DOE, 2023).

2. Use fans strategically: Ceiling and portable fans cost pennies to run and can make a room feel up to 4°F cooler. Remember: fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.

3. Block the sun, not the air: Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day. Outdoor shading like awnings or trees can reduce indoor temperatures by several degrees.

4. Maintain your AC: Dirty filters and clogged coils force your system to work harder. Regular maintenance improves efficiency by 5–15% (Energy.gov, 2023).

5. Time your usage: Many utilities offer lower rates at night or in the morning. Pre-cooling your home before the afternoon peak can lower both bills and emissions.

The Environmental Impact

Residential cooling demand is rising globally as summers get hotter. According to the International Energy Agency, air conditioners could triple in number by 2050, making efficiency more urgent than ever (IEA, 2023). If every household reduced unnecessary cooling by just 10%, it would cut millions of tons of CO₂ emissions each year.

Call to Action

This summer, take the “Fan First” pledge: before turning on your AC, switch on a fan, adjust your blinds, or cool down with a glass of water. Small habits can reduce peak demand, lower your bill, and make a real difference for the climate.

Staying cool doesn’t have to mean burning through energy. With smarter choices, we can keep our homes comfortable, our wallets full, and our skies cleaner.