As temperatures soar across the country, many households are feeling the pressure—on both their bodies and their wallets.

While blasting the air conditioning seems like the obvious solution, it could be doing more harm than good financially.

What’s worse? The habits many people rely on to stay cool might actually be draining their bank accounts faster than they realize.



Experts say most people are using their AC systems the wrong way during a heatwave. One major mistake? Turning the thermostat down to the lowest possible temperature, thinking it will cool the house faster.

According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), this move is not only ineffective—it’s expensive.

The AC runs at the same speed no matter the setting, so a lower temperature won’t cool the space quicker. Instead, it just keeps running longer, increasing your electric bill and risking overcooling.


The DOE and Energy Star both recommend keeping your thermostat at 78°F while you’re home. When you're away or sleeping, raise it to about 82°F or more.

Doing this for eight hours a day could save you up to 10% annually on cooling costs. It’s all about minimizing the gap between outdoor and indoor temperatures.

This way, your AC unit doesn’t have to work overtime—and your utility bill stays lower.

Here are six smart adjustments for you to keep cool and cut costs:​

1. Run Your AC Wisely

• Avoid shutting off your AC entirely when leaving the house. Instead, turn the thermostat up by 7 to 10 degrees.
• Cranking the fan to the highest setting can increase energy usage without evenly cooling the room.

2. Block the Sunlight

• Close curtains or blinds during the hottest parts of the day to prevent indoor temperatures from climbing.
• Consider blackout shades or reflective window films for additional protection.

3. Seal Off Hot Air

• Check for gaps under doors, around windows, and near baseboards—then use weatherstripping or caulk to seal them.
• Even small leaks can cause significant AC strain.

4. Use Fans and Exhaust Systems Correctly

• Ceiling fans don’t lower the air temperature—they make you feel cooler by moving air across your skin.
• Always turn them off when you leave a room.
• Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to get rid of hot, humid air—just make sure they vent outside, not into the attic.

5. Reduce Heat-Generating Appliance Use

• Skip the oven and opt for microwaves or no-cook meals during peak heat.
• Air-drying dishes instead of using a heated cycle keeps extra warmth out of the kitchen.

6. Take Cool Showers (But Not Freezing Ones)

• Hot showers add to humidity, which makes your AC work harder.
• Cooler showers help—just don’t go ice cold, as that can have the reverse effect once you're out.

Read more:

• Can’t sleep in the heat? Try these simple tricks to stay cool through the night
• A powerful new heat dome is sweeping in—how hot could your area get?

What’s your go-to method for beating the summer heat? Have you tried any of these hacks in your home? Let us know how you’re staying cool without the high costs—drop your tips or stories in the comments below!