Summer 2026 is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record, with extreme heat expected to impact nearly two-thirds of the United States. Whether you’re staying home this summer or escaping to cooler destinations, you can keep your home comfortable and lower your AC costs by combining passive cooling techniques and energy-saving habits. Here are some ways to beat the heat this summer:
The Ideal Thermostat Temperature
Keeping your AC unit running at full power, especially when you aren’t home, can lead to a costly utility bill, unnecessary energy use, and added wear and tear on your system. On the other hand, turning your AC off completely can increase the risk of excess heat, humidity, and mold growth. So, what temperature should you leave your house during the summer?
- When leaving your house vacant over the summer, it’s recommended to set your temperature no higher than 85 degrees. However, for those leaving pets, delicate plants, paintings, or electronics behind, it may be better to raise the thermostat by only 5 to 10 degrees from your normal setting.
- When you’re home, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees during the summer. If you have vulnerable household members, like infants or individuals with health issues, keeping your home closer to 76 degrees may provide a more comfortable balance between safety and savings. If you have ceiling or standing fans, try bumping it up to around 82 degrees while you sleep. This helps your AC use less energy while adding airflow to keep you feeling cool and more comfortable throughout the night.
Sealing Air Leaks Around Windows And Doors
Once you’ve adjusted your thermostat, sealing air leaks is your next line of defense against rising energy bills. Start by running your hand along window frames and door edges to detect drafts, then apply window caulking techniques using silicone-based sealants that flex with temperature changes.
For the pesky gap between your door’s bottom edge and threshold, consider adjustable door sweeps and draft stoppers that move smoothly with your door and floor while blocking unwanted air flow.
Lower Cooling Costs With Double Pane And Low-E Windows
If you’re replacing your windows, consider energy-efficient options such as double pane windows, Low-E glass, or a combination of both. Double pane windows improve insulation by using two panes of glass separated by an insulating layer of air or gas, while Low-E glass features a specialized coating that reflects heat without blocking natural light. Each provides energy-saving benefits on its own, but together they offer the greatest efficiency, reducing energy loss by 30% to 50% compared to traditional single pane windows.
Energy Savings With Blackout Curtains
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 76% of sunlight that hits your windows turns into heat inside of your home. Additionally, AC alone accounts for nearly 12% of total home energy costs, and during a heat dome, that percentage can soar even higher. That’s why more homeowners are turning to blackout curtains, as well as their thermal and reflective counterparts.
During the summer, blackout curtains can block more than 90% of infrared rays from entering your house, lowering your AC bill by at least 20%. Not only can blackout curtains prevent heat from entering your house, but they can prevent temperature loss during the cooler seasons as well.
Consider Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Lighting
Have you noticed the rising popularity of LED lights and bulbs in the past decade? Switching to LED lighting and choosing the right bulbs can make a small but noticeable difference in keeping your home cooler. Traditional bulbs like incandescent and halogen bulbs contribute more to indoor heat than most homeowners realize. Around 90% to 98% of the energy they use is released as heat, not light. In contrast, 95% of electricity supplied to an LED is used to produce light, while only 5% is released as heat.
Put Off Your Chores
Beating the heat this summer may require a temporary adjustment to your daily routine or “chores.” Whenever possible, don’t run the dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, or other heat-producing appliances during the hottest parts of the day. These machines release heat and humidity into your home, making your air conditioner work harder to keep your space comfortable.
You can also make smarter choices in the kitchen. Opting to grill outside or use pressure cookers, slow cookers, microwaves, and air fryers can help reduce your energy bill. Plus, using the stove or oven can raise the temperature by 10 degrees!
Don’t Forget About Your Ceiling Fan
Our final tip may seem simple, but it’s a small change that can make a big difference. Many of us remember to change our clocks twice a year for daylight saving time, but we often forget that our ceiling fans also need a seasonal change.
Ceiling fans are energy efficient, using the same amount of electricity as a 100-watt light bulb. Although a ceiling fan doesn’t cool air, the right direction can make a room feel much cooler than it is. During the summer, fans should rotate counterclockwise to push air downward, creating a cooling breeze effect. A high-speed, counterclockwise ceiling fan can allow you to raise your thermostat setting by up to 4 degrees and still be comfortable.
The hottest days of summer don’t have to mean the highest energy bills. We believe smarter decisions, whether at home or in your financial plan, can help support your long-term goals. You can contact Global View Capital Advisors Mid-Wisconsin at (715) 298-0313 to learn how thoughtful planning can help you make the most out of every season.
Sources:
https://www.bhg.com/thermostat-temperature-heat-wave-11760917
https://advanced-air.com/help-guides/tips/best-thermostat-temperature-when-away
https://sleepoutcurtains.com/blogs/blackout-experts/are-blackout-curtains-worth-it
https://www.evergy.com/ways-to-save/resources-link/energy-tips/spring-and-summer-energy-saving-tips
https://www.scienceabc.com/innovation/why-are-led-lights-so-energy-efficient
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