How to Lower Your Electric Bill Running AC This Summer in Illinois

1. Set Your Thermostat to 78°F When You're Home

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 78°F as the sweet spot when you're home and active. Every degree you lower the thermostat below 78°F increases your energy consumption by approximately 3%. So if you're running at 72°F, you're using about 18% more energy than necessary. When you're away, bump it up to 85°F — your house will cool back down quickly when you return.

2. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is one of the best investments a Will County homeowner can make. Devices like the Ecobee or Nest learn your schedule and automatically adjust temperatures so you're not cooling an empty house. Studies show smart thermostats save 10–15% on cooling costs annually — that's $100–$200 per year for most Illinois homes. If you don't have one, ask us about installation when we come for your tune-up.

3. Replace Your Air Filter Every Month in Summer

This is the single easiest thing you can do — and most homeowners skip it. A dirty, clogged air filter restricts airflow and forces your AC to work up to 15% harder to move the same amount of air. During summer, when your system runs constantly, change your 1-inch filter every 30 days. If you have pets or allergies, consider a higher-MERV filter and change it even more frequently.

4. Schedule a Professional AC Tune-Up (If You Haven't Already)

It's mid-May — if you haven't had your AC tuned up yet, now is the time. A properly maintained air conditioner runs 15–20% more efficiently than a neglected one. Our $89 tune-up includes cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils, checking refrigerant levels, testing electrical components, and verifying the system is running at peak efficiency. For most homeowners, the energy savings pay for the tune-up within 4–6 weeks of summer running.

Dirty coils are one of the biggest efficiency killers. When the evaporator coil is coated with dust and grime, it can't absorb heat effectively — so your system runs longer to achieve the same cooling. A clean coil can reduce runtime by 10–15%.

5. Use Ceiling Fans to Feel 4°F Cooler

Ceiling fans don't actually cool the air — they create a wind chill effect that makes you feel cooler. This allows you to raise your thermostat by 4°F without any reduction in comfort. At 78°F with a ceiling fan running, you'll feel as comfortable as you would at 74°F without one. Just remember: fans cool people, not rooms. Turn them off when you leave the room.

6. Block Heat with Blinds and Curtains During the Day

Up to 30% of unwanted heat enters your home through windows. Closing blinds and curtains on south and west-facing windows during the hottest part of the day (10am–4pm) can reduce indoor temperatures by 5–10°F. Cellular shades or blackout curtains are the most effective. This simple habit can meaningfully reduce how long your AC runs each day.

7. Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows

If your home has gaps around doors, windows, or where pipes and wires enter the house, you're paying to cool the outdoors. Weatherstripping around doors and caulk around window frames are inexpensive fixes that can reduce cooling costs by 10–20%. You can find air leaks by holding a lit incense stick near suspected areas on a windy day — the smoke will waver if there's a leak.

8. Keep the Outdoor Condenser Unit Clear

Your outdoor AC unit needs at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides for proper airflow. Overgrown shrubs, grass clippings, and debris packed against the unit restrict airflow and force the compressor to work harder. Trim any vegetation, gently rinse the fins with a garden hose (from the inside out), and make sure nothing is blocking the unit. This is something we check during every tune-up.

9. Run Heat-Generating Appliances at Night

Your oven, dishwasher, and clothes dryer all generate significant heat. Running them during the hottest part of the day forces your AC to work harder to compensate. Shift these activities to after 8pm when outdoor temperatures drop and your AC doesn't have to fight as hard. This is especially impactful on days when temperatures stay above 85°F well into the evening.

Bonus: Consider Whether Your AC Is Due for Replacement

If your AC is 12–15+ years old, it may have a SEER rating of 8–10, while modern units are rated 16–20 SEER or higher. Upgrading to a high-efficiency unit can cut cooling costs by 30–50%. Best Heating & Cooling offers free estimates on new AC installation and can help you calculate the payback period. We're currently offering $500 off new AC installation this summer.