For those of us here in Lawton, Oklahoma, where summer temperatures can easily soar above 100°F, air conditioning is crucial for comfort. Unfortunately, keeping your home cool can often lead to high energy bills. Fortunately, there are a few simple, no-cost strategies you can implement to help reduce your air conditioning costs, keeping your home cool without breaking the bank.
Here are three effective, free ways to reduce your cooling costs this summer.
1. Be Mindful of Heat-Producing Appliance Usage
One of the easiest ways to reduce your air conditioning costs is by minimizing the heat produced inside your home. Appliances, like the oven, stovetop, and dryer, can quickly raise the indoor temperature, forcing your air conditioner to work harder to get the temperatures back down to your thermostat setting.
- Avoid using the oven during the hottest parts of the day: Instead, try cooking early in the morning or later in the evening when outdoor temperatures are cooler. If cooking is unavoidable, try to use appliances that produce less heat, such as an air fryer, microwave, slow cooker, or toaster oven when possible. These alternatives keep your home cooler while still allowing you to prepare meals.
- Eat meals that don’t require heat: Cold meals like salads, sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, or fresh fruit bowls are a great option, especially on the hottest days.
- Be mindful of your dryer: Dry clothes in the cooler morning or evening hours, or better yet, hang them outside to air dry. Dryers produce both heat and humidity, raising the indoor temperature and making your AC work harder.
By adjusting how and when you use heat-producing appliances and choosing cooler meal options, you’ll reduce the strain on your air conditioning, leading to lower energy bills.
2. Enjoy a Cool Breeze and Adjust Your Thermostat
If you haven’t already, it’s time to rediscover your ceiling fans. A ceiling fan can make a room feel several degrees cooler simply by circulating the air. And when you combine ceiling fans with a slightly higher thermostat setting, you can save a significant amount on your cooling bills.
That said, fans do use electricity as well. But the cost is minimal. According to studies, a ceiling fan running on a medium setting can run for three hours before it costs you even a penny in energy. This makes fans a very cost-effective solution for increasing comfort without raising your energy bill significantly.
Remember: Fans don’t lower the actual temperature in a room; they simply make the air feel cooler by increasing air movement. For maximum efficiency, be sure to turn off fans in rooms that aren’t being used.
Pro tip: For every degree you raise your thermostat, you can save up to 10% on your air conditioning costs, according to ENERGY STAR®. So, consider adjusting your thermostat by 2-3 degrees to start seeing savings without compromising comfort.
3. Live in the Dark (or at Least Close Your Curtains)
During the heat of the day, sunlight radiating through your windows can quickly turn your home into an oven. The sun’s heat can be absorbed by your walls, floors, and furniture, raising the indoor temperature and forcing your air conditioner to work harder to compensate.
To prevent this, close all blinds, shades, or drapes during the sunniest parts of the day. This will block out much of the heat that would otherwise be transferred into your home through your windows, reducing the amount of time your AC needs to run.
Bonus Tip: Consider installing heat-reflective window film or using blackout curtains that are designed to completely block the sun’s heat. These small upgrades can make a big difference in keeping your home cool while cutting your energy costs.
Stay Cool and Save Year-Round with a Whole-Home Approach
While simple tips like adjusting appliance use, eating cooler meals, and using fans can help reduce cooling costs, the most effective way to stay comfortable during Oklahoma’s scorching summers—and keep your utility bills in check—is by investing in a whole-home approach to cooling. Proper insulation and air sealing in the attic and crawl space, plus an efficient HVAC system can make a huge difference in your home’s overall comfort and energy efficiency.
At Pippin Brothers, we’ve been helping Lawton-area residents achieve long-term comfort and savings since 1978. Whether you're looking to improve your home's insulation, seal air leaks, or upgrade your HVAC system, our expert team is here to provide energy-efficient solutions tailored to your needs. Let us help you stay cool and save money all summer long—and beyond.