How to Reduce Cooling Bills When the Temperature Rises

Smart thermostats connect to the internet via WiFi and allow you to control your central air and heat with your smartphone. Some smart thermostats keep track of your temperature preferences and use the data to optimize your cooling and heating schedule. Others have multiple sensors that monitor temperatures in various parts of the house for more balanced cooling or heating. Energy Star certified smart thermostats save an average of about 8 percent—about $50—off cooling and heating costs a year.

Programmable thermostats can be set to a schedule (typically one for weekdays and another for weekends) that reduces the amount of cooling (or heating) when the house is empty or when you’re sound asleep. According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10 percent per year on your cooling and heating bills by turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day from its usual setting, something a programmable thermostat can do automatically.

There are four easy ways you can rein in your home’s cooling expenses, even on hot summer days.

Turn your fan on. Instead of setting the air conditioner to 74° F or 76° F, set it to 78° F and let a ceiling fan do the rest. It costs little to run and can make the temperature feel as much as 4 degrees cooler, according to the Department of Energy.

Replace your old thermostat. If you have central air condition­ing, one of the most effective ways to save money on cooling is to install a programmable or smart thermostat. (You’ll also save money on heating in the winter.) If you need the AC when you get home, program it to go on before you arrive or, with some thermostats, turn it on with a smartphone app. Tip: Before investing in a smart or programmable model, check with your utility company to see whether it offers any incentives or even a free thermostat. Many offset the cost with rebates or discounts.

Tweak your appliance habits. If you’re really feeling the burn from a heat wave, avoid using your washer, dryer, and dishwasher so that you don’t overload your home’s cooling system. Also, make sure you use the exhaust fans in your kitchen when you’re cooking or in the bathroom when you’re taking a shower. That can help reduce steam and lower the humidity in your home.

Make other simple changes that increase efficiency. Close curtains during the day to keep the sun from heating up the house, reduce oven use, repair leaky AC ductwork, and plug cracks around windows and doors.