Summer Electricity Costs: AC Efficiency & Savings Guide 2026

Summer bills can double or triple compared to spring/fall.

Air conditioning accounts for about 50% of summer electricity use according to the EIA. Central AC draws 3,000-5,000 watts per hour when running, adding $100-$200/month to average bills.

Higher outdoor temps mean longer run cycles. In the Northeast, your AC removes moisture AND heat, working even harder in humid conditions.

Understanding these factors helps you target the most effective savings strategies.

DOE recommended settings: Set to 78°F when home and awake for the best comfort/efficiency balance. Bump it to 85°F or turn it off when away 2+ hours. Each degree below 78° adds 3-4% to your costs.

Programmable thermostats can save about 10% annually. Smart models like Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell learn your patterns automatically.

Ceiling fan tip: Fans let you raise the thermostat 4°F while maintaining comfort—moving air feels cooler on skin.

Maintenance essentials: Replace air filters monthly during heavy use—dirty filters add 5-15% to energy costs. Schedule annual professional maintenance for refrigerant, coils, and electrical. Keep the outdoor unit clear with 2+ feet of clearance for airflow.

Ductwork and vents: Seal duct leaks (they can waste 20-30% of cooled air). Keep all vents open and unobstructed.

Reduce heat gain: Close blinds on south and west windows during the afternoon.

Peak pricing periods hit weekday afternoons from 2 PM - 7 PM. Electricity costs more during these hours.

Savings strategies: Pre-cool your home in the morning when rates are lower. Raise the thermostat during peak hours. Run dishwashers and laundry in early morning or evening.

Utility programs: AEP Ohio, Duke, and PECO offer demand response programs where you get bill credits for allowing slight temp increases during grid emergencies. Check with your utility about time-of-use rates.

Insulation and sealing: Aim for R-49 or higher in the attic. Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. Consider reflective window film on south and west windows.

Daily habits: Use exhaust fans when cooking or bathing. Avoid the oven during hot afternoons—grill outside or use the microwave instead. Switch to LED lighting (incandescent bulbs put out 90% heat).

Long-term improvements: Light-colored roofing reflects solar heat rather than absorbing it. Exterior shading devices on sunny windows make a real difference.

SEER ratings comparison: Systems 10-15 years old typically have SEER 10 or lower. The current minimum is SEER 14, and high-efficiency units hit SEER 20+. Upgrading from SEER 10 to 16 means 40% energy reduction.

Upgrade options: Heat pumps give you cooling AND heating efficiency in one system. Variable-speed systems adjust output gradually instead of just cycling on and off.

Financial assistance: Federal tax credits and utility rebates can offset the upfront cost.

Consider replacement if: Repair costs exceed 50% of a new system price, or you're calling for repairs frequently.

Lock in rates before peak season: Competitive suppliers often beat utility default rates, and fixed-rate contracts protect you against summer price spikes.

Where to compare: Check ElectricRates.org, PUCO's Apples to Apples, or PAPowerSwitch.com depending on your state.

What to consider: A 12-month contract locks rates through next summer. Some green energy options are competitively priced. Watch for monthly service fees and factor them into the total cost.

Switching takes minutes with no service interruption.