Written on: July 27, 2026
If your electric bill seems higher this summer, you’re not imagining it. Recent electric rate increases across Pennsylvania mean many homeowners will pay more to keep their homes cool, even if they’re using their air conditioner the same way they always have.
The good news is that while you can’t control the price of electricity, you can control how efficiently your cooling system uses it. A few simple changes around the house and a little attention to your air conditioning system can help reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort. Here are some practical ways to keep your cooling costs in check this summer.
When electric rates go up, one of the easiest ways to reduce your cooling costs is to avoid cooling an empty house.
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, raise the temperature a few degrees before you leave for work or when you’ll be away for several hours. There’s no reason for your air conditioner to work overtime cooling an empty home. Setting it to return to a comfortable temperature before you get back helps reduce unnecessary energy use without sacrificing comfort.
If you’re home during the day, resist the temptation to keep lowering the thermostat when the house feels warm. Your air conditioner cools at the same rate whether it’s set to 72 or 68 degrees. Setting the thermostat lower won’t cool your home any faster; it only tells the system to keep running longer.
A few small adjustments to your thermostat settings can make a noticeable difference over the course of the summer, especially when higher electric rates mean every kilowatt-hour costs more.
Your air conditioner can only do its job if air is moving freely through the system. When airflow is restricted, your equipment has to work harder to cool your home.
One of the simplest ways to improve airflow is to replace your air filter regularly. A clogged filter makes it harder for air to circulate, reducing efficiency and forcing your air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
It’s also worth taking a walk through your home to make sure supply and return vents aren’t blocked by furniture, rugs, or curtains. Even partially blocked vents can affect how evenly your home cools and make your system work harder than it needs to.
These are small maintenance tasks, but they can have a noticeable impact on both comfort and energy use, especially during the hottest months of the year when your air conditioner is working its hardest.
A cooler house starts with keeping the sun and hot outdoor air from getting inside.
During the day, close blinds or curtains on windows that get direct sunlight. It won’t darken your whole house, but it can make a noticeable difference in rooms that heat up quickly during the afternoon.
Next, check around doors and windows for worn weatherstripping or small gaps where cool air can escape. Even minor air leaks force your air conditioner to replace cooled air that should have stayed inside.
Ceiling fans can help, too. While they don’t lower the temperature, they circulate air and make rooms feel cooler. That extra comfort may let you raise your thermostat a degree or two, helping your air conditioner run less without making your home feel warmer.
While simple changes around the house can help reduce energy use, your air conditioning system also needs regular maintenance to perform at its best. Whether your system is due for seasonal service, isn’t keeping your home as cool as it should or you’re considering replacing older equipment with a high-efficiency model, Walton’s experienced technicians are here to help.
Since 1921, Walton’s has proudly served homeowners throughout North Penn and the surrounding communities with trusted heating and cooling services. From routine maintenance and repairs to complete air conditioning system replacements, our team is committed to helping you stay comfortable while keeping energy costs under control.
If you’re looking for ways to improve your cooling system’s efficiency this summer, contact Walton’s today to schedule service or learn more about your options.
