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How to Lower Your Cooling Bills Without Sacrificing Comfort
Stop sweating over high electric bills—lower your AC costs without giving up the comfort you deserve.

The Struggle is Real
Every summer, you brace yourself—not just for the heat, but for the gut-punch of your electricity bill. Running your AC day and night feels like the only way to survive the rising temperatures. But what if you could stay cool and save money?
You’re not alone. Homeowners all over the Bay Area face the same frustrating dilemma: keep cool and overpay, or sweat it out trying to save. The good news? You don’t have to choose. With the right habits and HVAC upgrades, you can lower AC costs without compromising comfort.
You Deserve Comfort—Not Costly Bills
If you’re reading this, chances are your summer electric bills have been creeping higher. That’s no surprise—cooling accounts for nearly 50% of energy use in the average U.S. home during peak months.
Let’s make you the hero of your own comfort story by exploring realistic, budget-friendly ways to cut cooling costs while keeping your space chill.
1. The Game-Changer: Efficiency Starts at the Thermostat
✅ Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
A programmable thermostat lets you schedule temperature changes, reducing AC use when you’re not home. Better yet, a smart thermostat learns your habits and adjusts automatically.
Pro Tip: According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back 7°–10°F for 8 hours a day.
FairPrice Heating & Cooling recommends the Ecobee Smart Thermostat or Nest Learning Thermostat for advanced features and long-term savings.
2. Upgrade to a High SEER-Rated System
If your AC unit is more than 10 years old, it’s time to consider a replacement. Today’s SEER-rated systems (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) are up to 50% more efficient than older models.
- SEER rating of 16 or higher
- ENERGY STAR® certification
- Variable-speed compressors for precise cooling
💡 SEER Savings Insight: Replacing a 10 SEER unit with a 16 SEER system could save you $300+ annually depending on usage and local rates.
Explore FairPrice’s air conditioning installation services →
3. Don’t Skip Regular Maintenance
A well-maintained system works smarter, not harder. Dirty coils, clogged filters, or low refrigerant levels can cause your AC to overwork—spiking your energy bills.
📅 Your Maintenance Checklist:
- Replace air filters every 1–3 months
- Schedule seasonal tune-ups in spring
- Clean condenser coils and remove outdoor debris
Book a professional tune-up from FairPrice →
4. Improve Your Home’s Insulation and Sealing
Even the best AC system can’t work efficiently if your cold air is leaking out. Improve insulation and seal gaps to lock in cool air.
🔍 Key Areas to Check:
- Attic insulation (R-38 recommended in California)
- Weather stripping around doors and windows
- Air duct sealing to prevent air loss
Ask FairPrice about our spray foam insulation and air sealing services as part of a whole-home comfort strategy.
5. Use Fans and Natural Ventilation
Fans don’t lower the room temperature—but they make you feel cooler by increasing air movement. Use ceiling or oscillating fans in conjunction with AC.
Extra Tip: Open windows during early morning and late evening to flush out warm air and bring in cool breezes.
6. Block the Heat Before It Enters
🪟 Sunlight = Heat Gain
Install thermal curtains, window film, or solar shades to block up to 77% of solar heat gain through your windows.
For sun-drenched homes in Santa Clara and surrounding areas, this small change can make a big difference in indoor temperatures and AC usage.
7. Consider a Heat Pump for Year-Round Efficiency
Modern ducted or ductless heat pumps cool efficiently during summer and heat economically in winter. They’re a smart long-term investment for homeowners seeking lower energy costs and environmental impact.
Learn more about heat pump options from FairPrice →
What Happens If You Don’t Act?
- Climbing utility bills year after year
- Shorter AC system lifespan due to overuse
- Discomfort during peak heatwaves
- Missed rebates or tax credits for energy upgrades
Imagine This Instead…
You walk into your home on a hot day and it’s perfectly cool—without the stress of a bloated PG&E bill. You’ve got a smart system, an energy-efficient unit, and a lower cost of living. That’s what comfort and savings look like working together.
Take Action Today
Don’t sweat it—literally. Let FairPrice Heating & Cooling guide you to smarter solutions that lower your AC costs and raise your comfort. Call (408) 608-8246 or schedule a consultation online →.
FAQs
Q1: How can I lower my AC costs without turning off the system completely?
A: Use a programmable thermostat, seal leaks, and enhance insulation. You can also run ceiling fans to circulate air and use smart cooling schedules.
Q2: Is it worth upgrading to a SEER-rated AC unit?
A: Yes. High-SEER systems significantly reduce your energy usage and save hundreds annually on your electricity bill.
Q3: What temperature should I set my thermostat to in summer?
A: The Department of Energy recommends 78°F when you’re home and 85°F when you’re away.
Q4: How often should I service my AC unit?
A: Have your AC serviced professionally at least once a year, ideally in spring before the cooling season begins.