How to Lower Your Summer Cooling Costs in California
Summer in California means soaring temperatures—and soaring energy bills. If your air conditioner is working overtime, your wallet might be feeling the impact too. The good news? With a few smart steps, you can slash your cooling costs without sacrificing comfort. At All Year Sacramento, our HVAC specialists are ready to help you stay cool efficiently and affordably.
1. Schedule a Pre-Summer HVAC Tune-Up
Your HVAC system functions like a car—it performs best with regular maintenance. Booking a pre-summer HVAC tune-up ensures your AC is clean, lubricated, and running at peak efficiency.
Benefits:
Catch small issues before they become costly
Boost energy efficiency
Extend system lifespan
Pro tip: Reserve early with All Year Sacramento HVAC experts to avoid the summer rush. Learn more about our Maintenance Services.
2. Seal and Insulate Your Home
Nearly 30% of cooled air escapes through leaks and poor insulation. That’s both energy and money wasted.
Inspect these areas:
Doors and windows (use weather-stripping or caulk)
Attic and walls (consider extra insulation)
Ductwork (schedule Duct Sealing Services)
A well-sealed home keeps the cool in and the heat out, reducing AC runtime.
3. Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats automatically adjust settings when you’re away or asleep, potentially saving 10–15% on cooling bills.
Key advantages:
Remote control via smartphone
Intelligent temperature scheduling
Energy usage tracking
Pairing one with All Year’s HVAC Sacramento installation ensures perfect calibration.
4. Use Fans to Boost Efficiency
Ceiling and portable fans create natural airflow, helping you feel comfortable at a higher thermostat setting.
Efficiency tip: Run ceiling fans counterclockwise in summer. This pushes cool air downward, letting you raise the thermostat by 2–4°F without sacrificing comfort.
5. Block Out the Sun
Sunlight streaming through windows rapidly increases indoor temps. Simple fixes can help:
Solutions:
Close blinds or blackout curtains during peak hours
Apply reflective window film
Plant shade trees or install outdoor awnings
These steps reduce the load on your AC and save energy.
6. Replace or Clean Air Filters Monthly
A clean filter maintains airflow and prevents your AC from overworking, lowering both energy use and wear.
Tip: Check filters every month during summer and swap out every 30–60 days.
Need help? All Year HVAC Sacramento includes filter replacement during tune-ups.
7. Consider a Whole-House Fan
A whole-house fan draws cool evening air through the house and pushes heat into the attic—cutting AC use significantly.
Interested? All Year offers Whole-House Fan installation to maximize comfort while lowering costs.
8. Upgrade to an Efficient HVAC System
If your unit is over 10–15 years old, it might be time for a replacement. Modern systems are designed for California’s climate and can dramatically reduce energy bills.
Upgrade indicators:
Frequent repairs
Rising energy bills
Inconsistent cooling
All Year Sacramento offers free Home Performance Assessments to recommend efficient HVAC and geothermal options, plus directives for rebates like SMUD incentives and HERS-certified improvements.
Smart HVAC & Energy-Saving Solutions from All Year Sacramento
Lowering summer cooling costs doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. With routine maintenance, insulation upgrades, smart tech, and more, you can keep cool and save. All Year Sacramento is your trusted partner for:
Don’t Sweat—Contact All Year HVAC Sacramento Today
Stay cool and save this summer without sacrificing comfort. Whether you need a tune-up, replacement, or expert advice, reach out today:
Call All Year Heating and Air Sacramento at (916) 922‑7796
Or schedule your service online