Texas summers mean triple-digit heat and electric bills to match. The average Central Texas household spends $200–$400 per month on electricity from June through September, with air conditioning accounting for 60–70% of that total. Here are 10 things that actually move the needle on your energy costs.
1. Set Your Thermostat to 78°F When Home
The Department of Energy recommends 78°F when you are home and awake. Every degree below 78 increases your cooling costs by 6–8%. Setting the thermostat to 72°F instead of 78°F can add $50–$80 per month to your bill. If 78 feels warm, use ceiling fans — they make a room feel 4–6 degrees cooler without significantly increasing electricity use.
2. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
If you are away during the day, raise the temperature to 85°F while you are gone and let it cool back down before you return. A programmable thermostat does this automatically. Smart thermostats like the Ecobee or Google Nest learn your schedule and optimize further. Most homeowners save 10–15% on cooling costs with a properly programmed thermostat.
3. Change Your Air Filter Every 30–60 Days in Summer
A dirty air filter is the number one cause of reduced AC efficiency and the easiest thing to fix. In summer, when your system runs 12–16 hours per day, filters clog faster. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forces the blower motor to work harder, and can cause the evaporator coil to ice over. Check your filter monthly and replace it when it looks gray or dirty. Standard 1-inch filters cost $3–$8 each.
4. Seal Duct Leaks
The average Texas home loses 20–30% of cooled air through duct leaks before it ever reaches the living space. That means your AC is working significantly harder than it should. Common leak points are at duct joints, where ducts connect to the air handler, and at register boots where ducts meet the ceiling or floor. Professional duct sealing costs $300–$800 and typically pays for itself within one summer.
5. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear
Your AC condenser (the outdoor unit) needs clear airflow to reject heat. Keep at least 2 feet of clearance around all sides. Trim bushes, remove debris, and never stack anything against or on top of the unit. Once a year, gently rinse the condenser coils with a garden hose to remove dirt and dust buildup.
6. Close Blinds on South and West Windows
Solar heat gain through windows accounts for 25–35% of your cooling load. South-facing and west-facing windows get the most direct sun. Closing blinds or curtains during peak sun hours (10 AM–6 PM) can reduce your cooling load significantly. Light-colored window treatments with a reflective backing are most effective.
7. Use Ceiling Fans Correctly
Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. They create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler without lowering the actual air temperature. Set fans to run counterclockwise in summer (you should feel a downdraft standing under it). Turn fans off when you leave the room — running them in empty rooms just wastes electricity.
8. Schedule AC Maintenance Before Summer
A well-maintained AC system runs 15–20% more efficiently than a neglected one. Spring maintenance includes cleaning the evaporator coil, checking refrigerant levels, testing electrical connections, clearing the condensate drain, and calibrating the thermostat. Catching a low refrigerant charge or a failing capacitor before the July heat wave prevents both discomfort and higher energy bills.
9. Avoid Heat-Generating Activities During Peak Hours
Running the oven, dryer, or dishwasher during the afternoon adds heat to your home that your AC has to remove. Shift these activities to early morning or evening when it is cooler outside. Cook on the grill instead of the oven. Use the air-dry setting on your dishwasher. These small shifts reduce the heat load your AC has to manage.
10. Consider a Maintenance Membership
Kimco membership includes seasonal AC tune-ups, priority scheduling, and discounts on repairs — everything you need to keep your system running at peak efficiency. Members also get priority service during summer heat emergencies when non-members may wait days for an appointment. Call (737) 260-7255 to learn about membership plans.