As temperatures rise during the summer months, keeping the home cool can become a challenge, especially when the use of air conditioning significantly increases electricity consumption.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), air conditioning accounts for approximately 6% of all electricity consumed in the country, which equates to $29 billion spent annually by homeowners.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), it is estimated that U.S. households will spend an average of $176 per month on electricity during the summer months, with a significant portion of this consumption attributed to air conditioning use. In states with hot and humid climates, such as Florida or Louisiana, air conditioning can account for up to 27% of monthly energy consumption.
In addition, many electric companies are implementing rate increases during the summer. The EIA projects that, on average, U.S. households will pay 2% more on their electricity bills this year, making it even more important to look for strategies to optimize air conditioning use and reduce energy costs.
Why Is My Energy Bill So High?
In 2025, the average electric bill in California will reach $186 per month, which represents a 29% increase compared to the national average of $144.
This increase has made California’s electric rates some of the highest in the country, primarily due to increases approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). As a result, customers of the three major utilities in the state often pay much more per kilowatt-hour (kWh) than the statewide average.
- Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)
- Southern California Edison (SCE)
- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
But this doesn’t just happen in California. Residents across the United States have mentioned that year after year their electricity rates are gradually increasing. This is because the weather has become much more extreme than it was a few years ago.
Climate change is having a direct impact on electricity demand. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), summers are getting hotter and hotter, putting more pressure on power grids. Studies by the American Geophysical Union indicate that energy demand for air conditioning could increase by 8% to 13% over the next decade.
But the problem isn’t just the hot summer temperatures. Winters are also harsher, and much colder than before, causing us to rely on heating even more. In short, we must use electrical energy practically all year round.
How Many Watts Does an AC Unit Use?
As we have seen, air conditioners and heaters have become one of the most important household appliances, along with refrigerators, televisions and washing machines.
The problem is that, despite the fact that companies have reduced the consumption of these devices, they still represent a high consumption and impact on our electricity bills.
Average AC Unit Wattages:
- Window air conditioners: Ideal for cooling small rooms up to 1,000 square feet. They are compact, easy to install and energy efficient, with an expenditure of 500 and 1,400 watts per hour, depending on size.
- Portable air conditioners: Offer mobility and can cool larger areas, although they require a drain hose and consume more energy than other systems (2,900 to 4,100 watts per hour).
- Mini-split and ductless air conditioning systems: They allow cooling different areas of the house without the need for ducts, with a consumption of 700 to 2,000 watts per hour in mini-split and 2,000 watts per hour in ductless systems.
- Central air conditioning: The most efficient option for whole-house air conditioning, with an average consumption of 1,000 watts per ton of cooling capacity. For a 2,000-square-foot home, approximately 3.5 tons are needed, which equals 3,500 watts per hour.
- Fan-only mode in central air conditioning: Allows the system to circulate air without activating the cooling cycle, consuming 750 watts per hour.
What’s the Best AC Temperature for Energy Efficiency?
Every year, when temperatures start to rise, the same question comes up: What temperature should I set my air conditioner to in the summer? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the ideal recommendation for achieving a balance between comfort and energy efficiency is to keep it at 78°F (25°C) when we are at home.
However, the answer is not universally applicable. The optimal temperature can vary depending on factors such as humidity, home insulation, air conditioning efficiency and personal heat tolerance.
Some people prefer to lower the temperature a few degrees for comfort, while others choose to keep it higher and supplement it with fans or blinds to reduce energy consumption.
How to Save Energy on Air Conditioning In Summer
When looking at these numbers and consumptions, U.S. citizens always wonder how to save on energy costs if we use AC or heating. Obviously, the thing to do is not to use them, but in many cases this is impossible.
For that reason, you can try the following:
Install an Efficient Window and Door System
More than 30% of the temperature and humidity currently in our homes is lost and/or gained through windows and doors. For example, in summer heat enters through them, and in the winter stable indoor temperatures escape through our window and door systems.
So, this causes us to use A/C much longer to control these extreme weather changes. Fortunately, we can use a protective barrier to prevent outside temperature changes from affecting our comfort.
There are door and window systems, usually made of aluminum and glass, that form a technical barrier to prevent the interior temperature from dropping and the exterior temperature (usually extreme) from entering your home.
Solutions such as PRL’s thermally broken systems offer a technological and elegant barrier for those who need to save on electrical energy costs.
A thermal break is a type of technology designed to improve insulation in windows and doors. It consists of an insulating barrier integrated into the frame, separating the interior and exterior sections to minimize the transfer of heat and cold. This reinforcement prevents outside temperature changes from affecting the interior environment, significantly improving energy efficiency.
In traditional systems, heat and cold easily pass through the frame materials, making them poor thermal insulators. This causes heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, affecting the comfort of the space and reducing the efficiency of even high-performance glazing.
Thermally broken systems incorporate an insulating strip between the inner and outer profiles, creating an effective thermal barrier. This technology drastically reduces thermal conductivity, maintaining a stable temperature inside the home or building and reducing energy consumption.
This means that the initial investment will be recovered in a few months due to a 30% reduction in the use of air conditioners.
Set Your Thermostat Wisely
The ideal temperature to save energy and maintain comfort is 78°F (25°C) when you’re at home and higher when you go out.
For greater efficiency, install a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature and reduces energy consumption by up to 10%.
Take Advantage of Lower Energy Rates
Many electric companies offer:
- Time-based rate plans, to pay less at certain times of the day.
- Energy efficiency programs, with rebates for home improvements.
Check with your supplier to find out what options are available to you.
Use Natural Shades and Sun Protection
The sun is the main source of heat at home. To block it:
✅ Plant leafy trees around the house.
✅ Install awnings or pergolas on balconies and patios.
✅ Use thermal blinds, blackout shades or reflective window coverings.
These actions can reduce indoor heat gain by up to 30%.
Optimize Use of Windows and Ventilation
Let fresh air in at night and close it during the day to keep the environment cool.
- If you live in a dry climate: Use ceiling fans in counterclockwise mode to generate a cooling breeze.
- If it’s humid: Use dehumidifiers to improve the wind chill and ease the load on the air conditioner.
Reduce Use of Hot Appliances
The oven, stove and dryer generate extra heat. To avoid this:
✅ Cook at night or use the microwave.
✅ Use the dryer only when necessary.
✅ Consider an outdoor kitchen to minimize heat buildup.
Keep Your Air Conditioner in Optimum Condition
An efficient air conditioner can reduce energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
Maintenance checklist:
- Change or clean filters every 1-2 months.
- Check and clean evaporator and condenser coils.
- Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear.
Key Fact: Lack of maintenance can cause an air conditioner to work 20% longer than necessary.
Seals Leaks and Improve Insulation
A leaky house is an inefficient house.
- Use weather stripping on doors and windows.
- Apply sealant in cracks and gaps where cold air escapes.
- If possible, improve insulation in ceilings and walls to maintain stable temperatures.
Benefit: Up to 30% less energy consumption.
Use Efficient Appliances and Turn Unused Appliances Off
Choose Energy Star-certified devices, which consume up to 40% less energy. Unplug chargers, TV’s and computers when not in use, as they continue to consume energy.
💡 Tip: Use power strips with automatic shut-off to avoid phantom power consumption.
Consider a More Efficient Cooling System
If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it probably consumes more energy than necessary.
More efficient options:
✅ Mini-splits or ductless systems, which reduce consumption by up to 50%.
✅ Air conditioners with inverter technology, which regulate consumption and reduce energy consumption peaks.
Use Cooler Areas of the House
If you have a basement or first floor, use these areas during the hottest hours.
✅ Cool air tends to descend, so lower spaces tend to stay 5-10°F cooler than upper floors.
Avoid Indoor Heat with LED Lighting
Incandescent bulbs generate more heat than you think.
- Replace them with LED lights, which consume 80% less energy and generate less heat.
- Not only will this reduce the temperature in your home, but it will lower your electric bill.
Install Solar Panels for Long-Term Savings
If you‘re looking for a definitive solution to reduce your electricity consumption, consider installing solar panels.
✅ Reduction of energy consumption by up to 70%.
✅ Protection against increases in electricity rates.
✅ Greater energy independence.
💡Some states offer incentives and tax credits for solar energy installation.
