5 Simple Ways to Lower Your Cooling Costs This Summer

When summer heat waves hit, your comfort doesn’t have to come at the cost of a sky-high energy bill.

Cooling accounts for about 12% of the average U.S. home's energy bill (1), and that number can spike in the summer months. From smart thermostat settings to strategic fan placement, a few small changes can go a long way toward lowering your cooling costs—without sacrificing comfort. Whether you're relying on a window unit, portable AC, or just trying to stretch your central air a little further, we've got practical, easy-to-follow tips that can help you stay cool and save money all season long.

Let’s break it down.

1. Use Fans to Circulate Cool Air

You don’t always need to crank the AC to feel cooler. A well-placed fan can make a room feel up to 4°F cooler just by keeping the air moving (2). That’s because air circulation helps sweat evaporate faster and prevents warm air from settling.

Try using a box fan in a window during the evening to pull in cooler outdoor air, or place a pedestal or tower fan across the room from your AC unit to help spread that cool air more efficiently. If your ceiling fan has a reverse setting, switch it to counterclockwise in the summer to create a wind-chill effect.

Pro tip: Fans don’t cool the air—they cool you. Turn them off when you leave the room to save even more energy.

2. Optimize Your AC Settings

Your air conditioner doesn’t have to work overtime to keep you comfortable—especially if you’re smart about how you use it. According to the Department of Energy, setting your thermostat just a few degrees higher can save you up to 3% on cooling costs for every degree above 72°F. (3)

For most homes, a target range between 74–78°F strikes the right balance between comfort and efficiency. (Yes, we know that number sounds high, but when it’s in the high 80s or even 100s, 78° will feel a lot cooler than the outdoor temps!) And if your window or portable unit has modes like “Auto” or “Energy Saver,” make sure you’re using them—these settings help regulate temperature without running the compressor nonstop.

Built-in timers and sleep modes can also help keep costs down by scaling back operation during cooler overnight hours. If your unit has a remote thermostat sensor (like the Follow Me feature on many Perfect Aire models), use it to get a more accurate read on room temperature where you actually are—not just near the unit.

Pro tip: Always clean your AC filters—clogged filters make the unit work harder and waste energy.

3. Cool the Rooms You Use—And Only Those

If you’re cooling your whole house when you’re only using a couple of rooms, you’re probably throwing money out the window. One of the simplest ways to cut cooling costs is to focus on the spaces you actually use—and shut off the ones you don’t.

Close doors to unused rooms to keep cool air where it counts. If you’re using central air, consider closing vents or dampers in less-used areas. And for even better zone control, turn to portable or window air conditioners that let you cool one room at a time. Got a home office, bedroom, or upstairs space that never seems to cool down? This is where mini-splits really shine.

Fun fact: Perfect Aire’s Quick Connect DIY mini-splits let you cool one room at a time—like a bedroom, office, or attic—without running ductwork or wasting energy on unused spaces. Bonus: they’re designed for easy DIY installation, so you save money on your energy bills AND installation costs!

4. Seal Windows and Doors

Even the best AC unit can’t compete with a drafty window or a leaky doorframe. If your cool air is escaping, you’re not just losing comfort—you’re paying for it. Sealing up your home is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to boost energy efficiency, especially during peak cooling season.

Start by checking for gaps around windows and doors. If you feel warm air coming in, add weatherstripping, caulk, or use a window sealing kit. For portable and window AC users, make sure your unit is properly installed with a tight seal. 

Pro tip: If you see light around the edges of a closed door or window, air is getting through. Sealing it could cut your annual energy bill by up to 10%. (4)

5. Maintain Your Cooling Equipment

A little upkeep goes a long way when it comes to energy efficiency. Dirty filters, clogged vents, and dusty coils can make your AC unit work harder than it needs to—driving up energy use and shortening the life of your equipment.

Whether you're using a window unit, portable AC, or mini-split system, check and clean the filters at least once a month during the cooling season. For most models, it's as easy as popping out the filter, rinsing it with water, and letting it dry before reinstalling. If your unit has reusable or replaceable filters, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Fun fact: A clean filter can lower your AC’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. (5)

Small Changes, Big Savings

Cooling your home shouldn't feel like a battle—or a budget buster. A few small tweaks, like sealing up drafts or kicking your fan into high gear, can make your space feel a whole lot more comfortable without driving up your electric bill.

And when it comes to gear, we've got your back. Whether you're looking to chill one room or keep the whole crew cool, Perfect Aire has fans, ACs, and DIY-friendly options that make beating the heat a breeze.

Browse our full lineup of summer cooling solutions here.