Share this post
Let’s be real. Summer in the South isn’t for the faint of heart.
Between the humidity that makes your hair revolt and the kind of heat that makes you second-guess stepping outside, it’s easy to crank the AC and brace for a high electricity bill.
But what if you could stay comfortable and save money?
There are plenty of ways to keep your home comfortable without relying solely on your air conditioner, and without sacrificing your paycheck. Here’s how to beat the heat and lower your cooling costs, all while staying sane in a South Louisiana summer.
Start with the thermostat.
It’s tempting to turn your thermostat down to 70 and call it a day. But even a few small adjustments can lead to major savings.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re home and bumping it up to 85 when you’re away. It might sound warm at first, but if your home is sealed and your fans are working properly, the difference will be less noticeable, and you could save up to 10% a year on cooling costs.
If you haven’t already, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat that can adjust the temperature for you automatically, based on your schedule.
Use fans the right way.
Ceiling fans are one of the easiest ways to stay comfortable without lowering your thermostat.
Just make sure the blades are spinning counterclockwise during the summer months, this pushes air down and creates a wind-chill effect that makes the room feel cooler. It’s important to remember that fans don’t actually cool the air, they cool people, so turn them off when you leave a room to avoid wasting electricity.
Portable fans, box fans, and oscillating fans can also make a big difference, especially in rooms that don’t get good airflow.
Block the sun.
Your windows might be letting in more heat than you realize.
In fact, up to 30% of unwanted heat in your home comes through the windows, especially in the afternoon.
Closing blinds, curtains, or shades during the day, particularly on west- and south-facing windows, can keep your home noticeably cooler. Blackout curtains or thermal drapes work especially well, and heat-reflective window film is a budget-friendly upgrade that can help reduce solar gain.
In the South, where the sun beats down hard in the afternoons, blocking that heat before it enters your home is key.
Stop leaks before they let the heat in.
Cool air doesn’t do much good if it’s escaping through gaps and cracks in your home.
Many Louisiana homes, especially older ones, have small leaks around windows, doors, attics, or ductwork that let hot air in and cool air out. Sealing those leaks with weatherstripping, caulk, or foam insulation can drastically improve your home’s efficiency. You should also check for leaks in your air ducts, especially if you notice uneven temperatures in different parts of the house.
Sealing and insulating your ductwork could cut your cooling costs by up to 20%.
Relevant Article: Don't let tax returns control your home repairs: A guide to smart saving
Don't forget AC maintenance.
Your air conditioner works hard, and in the South, it works overtime. Keeping it in top shape is one of the best ways to stay cool and keep your bill down.
Start by changing your air filter every month or two, especially if you have pets. A clogged filter restricts airflow and forces your system to use more energy. It’s also a good idea to schedule a professional HVAC tune-up once a year to make sure everything is running efficiently. Even just keeping the area around your outdoor unit free of leaves and debris can improve airflow and performance.
Don't wait until your AC unit is broken to get it checked out. You don't want to find yourself waiting around in this heat for someone to show up or for a part to be delivered.
Explore local programs, rebates, and financing options.
Depending on your income or energy usage, you might qualify for local programs that help with weatherization, cooling costs, or appliance upgrades. Organizations like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offer cooling assistance to qualifying households, and utility providers like Entergy Solutions offer rebates on products that promote energy-saving improvements.
But even if you don’t qualify for assistance programs, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. An OnPath Personal Loan can help you take control of your comfort (and your energy bills) by financing upgrades like new insulation, window treatments, or an energy-efficient AC unit. It’s a flexible, affordable way to invest in your home now and enjoy lower utility costs for years to come.
Summers in the South are always going to be hot, but your home doesn’t have to feel like a sauna, and your energy bill doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few smart changes, you can stay comfortable, lower your cooling costs, and enjoy the season without sweating the expenses.
If you found this article helpful, subscribe to our blog and have weekly financial insights delivered to your inbox.
Related Topics
