When the Texas heat kicks into high gear, so does your air conditioning—and unfortunately, your energy bill. Keeping your home cool in the summer doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a few smart adjustments and regular habits, Texans are finding effective ways to cut home cooling costs without sacrificing comfort.
From small daily changes to long-term upgrades, there are plenty of strategies that can make a big difference when the temperatures climb.
Use Your Thermostat to Cut Home Cooling Costs Without Feeling the Heat
One of the easiest ways to cut home cooling costs is by adjusting your thermostat settings. In Texas, the goal isn’t to keep the house cold, but to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature that doesn’t make your AC work overtime. Setting the thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and raising it a few degrees when you’re out can help you save significantly over the course of a season.
If you haven’t already, consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices let you automate temperature adjustments based on your daily schedule, so you’re not cooling an empty house. Even a few hours a day of reduced AC use can have a noticeable impact on your energy bill.
Seal Leaks and Insulate to Keep Cool Air Where It Belongs
Air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork let cold air escape and hot air creep in. That forces your system to run longer than it needs to. One of the most overlooked ways to cut home cooling costs is sealing those gaps. Use caulk and weatherstripping around doors and windows, and consider having your ductwork inspected for leaks.
Insulation plays a big role too, especially in attics. Hot air builds up fast in the attic and radiates down into your living space. Adding or upgrading insulation helps keep the heat out and the cool in, reducing the strain on your system and your wallet.
Shade and Landscaping Make a Bigger Difference Than You Think
The Texas sun can bake your home in the afternoon, especially if you have west-facing windows. During peak hours, using curtains, blinds, or reflective window film helps block out some of that heat. On the outside, adding shade with awnings, trees, or pergolas can naturally cool your home’s exterior and reduce the heat that seeps indoors.
Strategic landscaping does more than improve curb appeal. Well-placed trees and shrubs can reduce surface temperatures around your home, keeping the entire structure cooler and reducing the need for heavy AC use.
Service Your AC Unit to Cut Home Cooling Costs
An AC system that isn’t maintained will not run efficiently. Dirty filters, clogged coils, and low refrigerant levels cause your system to work harder and use more energy than it should. Staying on top of AC maintenance is a simple but important way to cut home cooling costs.
Change your filters monthly during heavy-use seasons. Schedule a professional AC tune-up at least once a year to make sure your unit is in top shape. It may also be worth looking into a more energy-efficient unit if yours is more than 10–15 years old.
Use Appliances Wisely to Avoid Heating the House
Appliances like ovens, dryers, and even dishwashers add heat to your home. During the summer, especially in Texas, that extra warmth makes your AC work harder. Try to run these appliances during the early morning or late evening, when it’s cooler outside. Better yet, grill outdoors or use smaller appliances like toaster ovens and microwaves.
Ceiling fans are another smart tool. They don’t lower the temperature, but they do make it feel cooler. This allows you to raise your thermostat a few degrees without feeling less comfortable, which directly helps cut home cooling costs.
Making smart choices with your thermostat, insulation, appliance use, and landscaping can lead to noticeable energy savings. With just a few changes, Texans can cut home cooling costs while staying comfortable all summer long.
FAQs
How can I tell if my home is losing cool air?
Common signs include hot spots near windows or doors, drafts, and inconsistent temperatures between rooms. An energy audit can pinpoint problem areas and help you seal leaks more effectively.
Do ceiling fans actually reduce cooling costs?
Yes. Fans help you feel cooler, so you can run your AC at a higher temperature. Just remember to turn them off when you leave a room—fans cool people, not air.
Is upgrading my AC unit worth the cost?
If your system is old, inefficient, or frequently breaking down, yes. Newer models use less energy and cool more effectively. Over time, the energy savings can offset the upfront expense.
Does attic insulation really make a difference in Texas?
Absolutely. The attic traps a lot of heat, especially during long Texas summers. Proper insulation keeps that heat from radiating into your living space and reduces your AC usage.
How much can I save by adjusting my thermostat?
Every degree you raise your thermostat above 72°F can save about 3 percent on your cooling costs. Over a full summer, those savings add up fast.
HG Home Inspection offers home inspections in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to request our services.