8 Simple Tricks to Reduce Air Conditioning Use and Save Money

During the hottest months of the year, it’s tempting to keep your air conditioner running nonstop. But all that cooling power can come at a high cost, both to your wallet and the environment. Fortunately, there are several easy and effective ways to stay comfortable while you reduce air conditioning use.

These simple tricks can help lower your electric bill and keep your home cool naturally, without relying solely on your AC!

1. Block Out the Sun

One of the most effective ways to reduce the temperature inside your home is to block out direct sunlight. Close blinds or curtains, especially on south and west facing windows during the hottest parts of the day. Blackout curtains or thermal drapes can make a noticeable difference by keeping the heat out and the cool air in.

If you don’t have special curtains, even just shutting regular blinds or hanging a light-colored sheet can help reflect sunlight away from your living space. (Dark colors absorb more light and heat up more than light colors. Think about how different it feels to wear a dark vs. light colored shirt on a sunny day! Can you tell I used to teach physics?)

2. Let Cool Air In at Night or Early Morning

When evening temperatures drop, take advantage of the cooler outdoor air. Open windows at night to promote cross-ventilation and bring down the temperature inside your home. Use box fans in the windows to help draw cool air in and push warm air out.

Just remember to close the windows and blinds again in the morning to trap that cooler air indoors.

3. Cook Smarter

Cooking indoors can significantly raise the temperature in your kitchen and adjacent rooms. During hot days, consider moving the cooking process outdoors. Fire up the grill, or bring small appliances like your toaster oven or air fryer outside to cook meals without heating your home.

Even better, plan no-cook meals like salads, sandwiches, or cold pasta dishes to keep things simple and cool. Did you know you can cook pasta in the microwave, its one of my favorite summer hacks!

4. Adjust the Thermostat

Raising the thermostat just a few degrees can lead to big savings. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F (25°C) when you’re home and awake, and even higher when you’re asleep or away. To me that sounds really warm. We keep our thermostat at 77 during the day and 73 at night.

Each degree you raise your thermostat can reduce your cooling costs by about 3–5%. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, consider installing one to make it easier to manage these adjustments throughout the day.

5. Avoid Using Electricity During Peak Hours

Electricity demand tends to spike in the afternoon and early evening, usually between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. This can result in higher energy rates if you’re on a “time of use” plan or have surcharges. Electricity at this time also puts extra strain on the grid. Try to shift energy heavy tasks like laundry, dishwashing, and vacuuming to off-peak hours, such as early morning or late evening.

6. Use Fans Wisely

Ceiling and box fans use far less electricity than air conditioners and can help circulate air and make your home feel cooler. Just remember that fans cool people, not rooms. So turn them off when you leave a space.

7. Switch to LED Bulbs

Incandescent light bulbs give off a surprising amount of heat. Switching to LED bulbs can reduce both your cooling load and your overall energy usage. It’s a small change that can make a big difference over the summer months.

8. Be Mindful of Devices that Create Heat

This may sound silly and obvious, but a lot of standard household devices heat up while in use. Be mindful of leaving an iron on while sewing, or hair straighteners or hair blow dryers, even dryers and dishwashers use heat to dry. (In the photo above I am making some of my favorite beeswax wraps!)

Small Changes can Reap Big Rewards when Trying to Reduce Air Conditioning

By making a few intentional changes, you can reduce air conditioning use and save money while still staying cool. Whether it’s shutting the curtains during the day, cooking outside, or timing your chores to avoid peak hours, every little effort adds up. These simple tricks not only help your budget but also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.