As temperatures rise this summer, the cost to cool your home is expected to increase as well. Taking some steps now can help manage the bills.
The average seasonal cost for electricity, covering June through September, is projected to be 8.5 percent higher this year, rising to $778, according to a forecast from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. The group helps states secure federal funds to help low-income people pay their cooling and heating bills.
Southern households bear “a disproportionate share of the rise in summer cooling” costs, the forecast said. The region that includes Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas is forecast to see electrical costs rise 13.5 percent to a seasonal average of $860, while the region including Texas and Oklahoma is expected to see an 11.5 percent jump to $924.
Retail electricity costs continue to rise faster than inflation as a result of utility grid updates and demand from new data centers that power artificial intelligence, as well as increased use in the summer because of higher temperatures, the forecast said. The combination of rising prices and increasing weather-driven demand is leading to “persistently high and rising costs for summer cooling,” according to the forecast, which is based on data from the Energy Information Administration and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
While Americans are already grappling with steeper costs at the gas pump because of the war in Iran, its impact on the price of electricity in the United States is more complex. The domestic supply of natural gas, which powers plants that produce electricity and heavily influences the price of electrical power, remains plentiful, said Kenneth Medlock, senior director at the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University.
“Natural gas prices in the U.S. have not been impacted by the conflict in the Middle East,” he said in an email.
But that could change if the war drags on, said Trevor Higgins, senior vice president for energy and environment at the Center for American Progress, a think tank. “This war in Iran, if it continues, could lead to even more exposure to price volatility,” he said.
Mark Wolfe, executive director of the energy directors association, had the simplest advice for consumers. “The best way to get your energy bill down is to use less of it,” he said.
What steps can I take to help keep my home cool?
Relatively inexpensive steps include shading windows during the day to block direct sunlight, installing weatherstripping on gaps around doors and windows to keep cool air in and changing the filters regularly in your traditional forced-air cooling system, said Shelby Gatlin, executive director of the Residential Energy Services Network, which sets standards for building energy efficiency ratings in the United States.
“Filter changes are often overlooked and have an immediate impact,” she said, for a cost of about $15. If the filter is blocked by dust and animal hair, the system has to work harder — and use more electricity. (If you don’t know how to change a filter, check out this video from the National Center for Healthy Housing.)
Should I have my air-conditioning system tuned up?
Having a preseason inspection to check refrigerant levels and tune up your cooling system can make sure it is operating efficiently and make costly breakdowns less likely when the thermometer rises, said Ana Maria Carreño, leader of the climate program at CLASP, a global nonprofit that promotes energy efficiency in everyday appliances.
If you are shopping for new household appliances, including refrigerators and dishwashers, look for the blue Energy Star seal, indicating they are energy efficient, Ms. Carreño said. (The Trump administration had targeted the program for elimination, but it has so far survived, she said.)
Upgrading an older air-conditioning system to a more efficient model can save money over the long term but is expensive upfront, so first make sure the ducts in your current system are properly sealed, Ms. Gatlin said. Spending thousands of dollars on a new system doesn’t help if, in effect, you’re “cooling the outdoors” with a leaky house, she said.
You can have a duct leakage test performed on your home, Ms. Gatlin said. The network’s website has a list of rated contractors. You can also find information about home energy assessments on the Department of Energy’s website.
Some states may offer rebates to help cover the cost of energy-efficient home improvements, Mr. Wolfe said. Contact your state’s energy efficiency office to check.
Window air-conditioners are relatively inexpensive but generally less efficient than other cooling systems, Ms. Carreño said. Make sure they are properly installed to minimize leakage of cool air to the outdoors. Experts at This Old House magazine recommend installing the units out of direct sunlight, if possible, and keeping the filter clean to maximize efficiency.
What temperature should I set my thermostat at in the summer?
Adjusting the thermostat on your central air-conditioning system can help save on electricity costs. In states with high summer temperatures, the energy directors association recommends keeping your thermostat at 70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when people are home and at 78 when the house is empty. (Every degree of increase between those temperatures saves about 3 percent on your electric bill.)
People without air-conditioning can use fans. They speed the evaporation of sweat from your skin, making you feel cooler. But turn them off when rooms are unoccupied. “There’s no reason to keep a fan on if you’re not in the room,” Ms. Carreño said. Dehumidifiers can also help make homes feel more comfortable.
Some communities offer cooling and hydration centers with air-conditioning during periods of extreme heat. Try calling your state’s 211 public services number, or check the website of the National Center for Healthy Housing.
Can ‘plug-in’ solar panels help?
Portable plug-in solar panels, sometimes called “balcony” solar panels, are popular in parts of Europe and are catching on in the United States as a way to shave electricity costs. They consist of one or more solar panels and a small inverter, which converts the power into electricity that’s usable for your appliances. Rather than requiring an expensive, permanent rooftop installation, the panels can be attached to a balcony or set up on a patio. You can take them along if you move, so both homeowners and renters can benefit.
The systems are just starting to become available for as little as $2,000. Savings vary, based on the climate where you live and local utility rates.
Utah became the first state to approve plug-in solar in 2025. “People like it,” said Jennifer Eden, senior associate for climate and clean energy at Utah Clean Energy, a nonprofit group. “It’s small, simple and accessible.”
Maine and Virginia have since passed legislation as well, and more than a dozen other states are considering similar measures, according to Bright Saver, a nonprofit group that promotes the systems. The legislation generally eases coordination with electrical utilities and sets rules requiring safety certifications for the systems.
What if I’m having trouble paying my electric bill?
You’re not alone. One in six households in the United States is behind on its energy bills, according to the energy directors group.
Both homeowners and renters can get help with utility bills, based on their income and family size, through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The federal government funds the program, and states distribute the money.
About half of the states offer summer cooling help through program, Mr. Wolfe said, but programs vary in how much money is available and who qualifies. The Energy Department offers a map with contacts in each state. Or you can search at www.energyhelp.us. States often set eligibility at 150 percent of the federal poverty level — about $49,500 for a family of four, Mr. Wolfe said. But some have higher income limits.
Some states offer additional assistance, though the rules and amounts vary, he said. So it’s best to contact your utility.
