Summer heat got your energy bills sweating? You’re not alone. Cranking the AC all day can feel like your only option—but that comfort comes with a cost. The good news? You can reduce those costs without sacrificing cool air.
Try these DIY energy saving tips to chill your home and your utility bill. And if your system could use a little extra help, consider scheduling professional AC services to boost efficiency and performance.
🧠 Think Smarter, Not Colder
Smart thermostats = smarter bills.
Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat and set it to match your lifestyle.
Here’s how:
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Increase the temp when you’re away
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Lower it 30 minutes before you get home
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Sleep better by cooling your home overnight
You could save up to 10% annually—without even noticing the difference in comfort.
🧼 Keep It Clean = Keep It Cheap
Dirty air filters cost you money.
When your filter’s clogged, your system strains to push air. That means:
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More energy use
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Higher bills
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Shorter system lifespan
✅ DIY Tip: Check your filter monthly. Replace it every 1–2 months during heavy use.
🔒 Seal Your Cool Air Inside
Air leaks are silent money leaks.
Walk around your home with a candle or incense. If the smoke moves near windows or doors, you've got a draft.
Fix it with:
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Caulk for gaps around window frames
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Weather stripping for doors
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Outlet sealers for wall sockets
Bonus: It helps in winter too!
🌞 Block the Heat Before It Enters
Sunlight = Heat = AC working harder.
Keep your house cooler with:
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Blackout curtains
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Reflective window film
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Cellular shades
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Keeping blinds closed mid-day
South- and west-facing windows are your biggest culprits.
🌬️ Fan Trick: Spin It Right
Did you know your ceiling fan has a summer mode?
Set it to spin counterclockwise to push air down and create a wind-chill effect.
This can let you raise your thermostat setting by 4°F while feeling just as cool.
🍽️ Don’t Cook Your House
Stovetops and ovens heat more than your dinner—they heat your whole home.
Instead, try:
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Grilling outside
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Crockpot recipes
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Cold salads or wraps
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Microwave meals (yep, they’re back)
🔥 Pro tip: Run your dishwasher and dryer at night when it’s cooler outside.
🪟 Try Reflective Film or Solar Screens
These easy DIY add-ons are energy-saving superheroes.
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Reflective film: stick it directly on the glass
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Solar screens: install on the outside
They can block up to 70% of solar heat gain—and your AC will thank you.
🌳 Let Nature Help
Open windows at night if the air cools down. In the morning:
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Shut windows
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Close blinds
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Trap that cool air inside
You’ll delay turning on the AC by hours—every day.
🔄 Free the Flow
Check your vents. Are they blocked by:
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Furniture?
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Rugs?
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Dust or pet hair?
Vacuum them out and clear the space. Proper airflow = more efficient cooling.
🧊 Cool Your Ducts (Literally)
Attic ducts? Exposed ductwork?
Wrap them in insulation to prevent cool air loss.
Also consider:
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Radiant barriers in the attic
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Insulated attic doors
Little upgrades, big returns.
💡 Upgrade Your Bulbs
Old-school incandescent bulbs release a surprising amount of heat.
Swap them out for LEDs and get:
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Less heat
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Lower energy use
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Longer bulb life
This is a quick win that takes 10 minutes tops.
🛠️ Maintain That AC Like a Pro
Your condenser unit outside needs love too:
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Remove weeds and leaves
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Gently rinse it with a hose
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Keep 2–3 feet of space around it
Your system will run better, last longer, and cost you less to operate.
🌴 Create Outdoor Shade
Your home’s exterior matters too. Plant trees or install awnings—especially on:
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West-facing walls
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East-facing windows
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Outdoor condenser units
Shading your AC can improve its efficiency by up to 10%.
✅ Quick Recap: Energy Saving Tips That Work
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Use smart thermostats
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Replace air filters
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Seal air leaks
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Block sunlight
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Use fans properly
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Avoid heat-generating appliances
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Add window film or solar screens
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Let in cool night air
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Unblock and clean vents
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Insulate ducts
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Switch to LED bulbs
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Maintain your AC unit
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Add shade outside
You don’t need a major HVAC upgrade to see major savings. These DIY energy saving tips are practical, fast, and effective—and many of them cost under $20. The result? A more comfortable home and a lower bill every month.
Want to go even further? Trident Heating & Cooling offers expert AC tune-ups, inspections, and energy-efficient upgrades to keep your system performing at its best all summer long.