How to lower my electric bill in summer with AC

Beat summer bills without sacrificing comfort

High summer electric bills usually come from a combination of thermostat habits, airflow restrictions, building envelope leaks, and an AC system that works harder than it should. The good news: small changes stack up. The guide below lists practical steps you can do today, upgrades that deliver bigger savings, and clear lines on what requires a licensed HVAC professional for safety, warranty, and insurance compliance.

Set smarter temperatures

• Target 76–78°F when you’re home and awake; go 4–6°F higher when away. Each degree higher can trim cooling costs by 3–5%.
• Use a smart or programmable thermostat to automate setbacks. Avoid extreme swings; steady, modest changes prevent energy spikes.
• Use “Dry” or “Dehumidify” mode (on compatible systems) during muggy spells to feel cooler at slightly higher temps.

Boost airflow and filtration

• Replace or clean filters every 30–60 days in summer, or more often with pets, dust, or wildfire smoke.
• Open and unblock supply and return vents; keep furniture and rugs clear by at least 12 inches.
• Ceiling fans help. Set counterclockwise to create a breeze that lets you raise the thermostat 2–4°F with similar comfort.

Seal the envelope: keep the cool air in

• Weatherstrip doors, caulk window gaps, and close fireplace dampers. Small leaks add up to a lost ton of cooling.
• Shade matters. Close blinds on sun-facing windows; add reflective film or exterior shading where possible.
• Attic insulation pays back fast. In many SoCal homes, R-38 to R-49 helps keep heat out and AC run time down.

Ducts: the hidden energy leak

Leaky or poorly insulated ducts can waste 20–30% of cooling. Signs include rooms that never cool, dusty supply air, or a noisy return. Sealing with mastic and insulating attic runs can cut bills and improve comfort.

Maintenance that saves money

• Keep outdoor condenser coils clean. Gently rinse from the inside out with low-pressure water after power is off.
• Clear at least 2 feet around the condenser for free airflow; trim shrubs and remove debris.
• Check the condensate drain for clogs to prevent water damage and shutdowns.

Note: Electrical diagnostics, refrigerant charge, and component testing should be done by a licensed pro. DIY on refrigerant or high-voltage parts is hazardous and can void warranties. Many insurers and home warranties require documented professional service for claims.

Smart controls, zoning, and schedules

• Program temp setbacks for work hours and overnight. Group rooms by use: cool living spaces in the evening, bedrooms at night.
• Zoning (manual or automated dampers) can cut run time by avoiding overcooling rarely used areas.
• Use occupancy sensors or geofencing in smart thermostats to avoid cooling an empty home.

Right-size and high-efficiency equipment

If your system is older, short-cycles, or struggles on hot afternoons, efficiency upgrades can lower bills significantly:

• Variable-speed inverter systems fine-tune output to load, reducing energy use and humidity while improving comfort.
• High-SEER2 heat pumps can outperform older AC units even in SoCal’s dry heat.
• Ductless mini-splits shine in additions, ADUs, or rooms with chronic hot spots—cool only where and when you need it.

Proper design and commissioning are crucial to realize the promised savings—load calculations, duct design, refrigerant charge, and airflow balance are not guesswork tasks.

Water heater, plug loads, and kitchen habits

• Run heat-generating appliances (oven, dryer, dishwasher) early morning or late evening to reduce AC load.
• LED lighting lowers internal heat. Small change, big summer impact.
• Fix hot-water leaks and insulate hot pipes; less stray heat means less cooling needed.

Indoor air quality can reduce “overcooling”

Clean, balanced air often feels comfortable at a slightly higher temperature. Good filtration, controlled ventilation, and humidity management can cut the urge to dial the thermostat down. Our mission at #1 AC Guys is healthy air at home for a healthy life—comfort, efficiency, and air quality work together.

Time-of-use rates and rebates

• Shift heavy loads off peak if you are on time-of-use utility plans. Precool slightly before peak hours, then coast.
• Check local rebates for high-efficiency heat pumps, smart thermostats, duct sealing, and insulation. In Southern California, programs from utilities like Southern California Edison or LADWP often help offset upgrade costs.

What you can do vs. what needs a pro

1. DIY-friendly: filters, basic cleaning around the condenser, weatherstripping, shading, thermostat scheduling, and fan use.
2. Pro-required for safety and insurance: refrigerant diagnostics/charging, high-voltage electrical work, duct design and sealing in attics, equipment sizing and installation, and any permit-required work. Many insurers and home warranties expect licensed documentation; DIY in these areas can jeopardize claims.

Service area and who we are

#1 AC Guys is a family-owned HVAC team serving Los Angeles County and nearby areas including Orange County, Ventura County, and Western Riverside County. Typical cities we reach include Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Anaheim, Irvine, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Ventura, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Riverside, Corona, and Temecula.

We specialize in residential and commercial systems, especially large and complex projects. Our fourth-generation family of engineers brings 80+ years of engineering experience to HVAC design, installation, and diagnostics. Our engineers have trained at manufacturers’ plants: Fujitsu (Japan), Mitsubishi Elektrik (Thailand), Midea (China), Gree (China), and Hier (China). That foundation helps ensure correct sizing, airflow, and commissioning—key steps to lowering summer energy bills while improving comfort and indoor air quality.

Bottom line

Start with thermostat discipline, clean filters, shading, and sealing obvious leaks. If bills stay high or rooms still feel uneven, it’s time for professional testing of ducts, airflow, and equipment performance. The right design and setup can unlock the efficiency your system was meant to deliver—safely, and in line with warranty and insurance requirements.