Last summer, I stopped by to check on Mary, a long-time customer in Brainerd. She’s 74, full of stories, and always welcoming. As I stepped into her living room, I was greeted by a powerful fan whirring beside her.
“The AC’s working,” she smiled, “but my electric bill nearly gave me a heart attack!”
If you’ve ever felt like Mary during a Minnesota summer—wondering how staying cool can cost so much—you’re not alone. With long, humid days and sticky nights, your AC works overtime. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between comfort and affordability.
Let’s walk through some smart, practical tips to keep your AC running efficiently—and your energy bills in check.
1. Set Your Thermostat the Smart Way
Your thermostat is your first line of defense against high energy bills.
- Set it to 78°F when you’re home and awake.
- Raise it 7–10°F when you’re away for more than a few hours.
- Use a smart or programmable thermostat to automate temperature changes based on your schedule.
👉 Pro Tip: Cranking the thermostat lower doesn’t cool your house faster—it just makes your system run longer, wasting energy.
2. Keep Your AC Unit Happy (And Efficient)
A well-maintained AC is a money-saving AC.
🧰 Do It Yourself:
- Check and replace filters every 1–3 months (more often with pets or allergies).
- Clear debris from around your outdoor unit.
- Hose down condenser coils to improve heat transfer.
- Maintain 2–3 feet of clearance around the unit.
🔧 What a Pro Should Do:
- Inspect coolant levels
- Calibrate the thermostat
- Clean internal parts
- Check for hidden issues
📅 Book your annual AC tune-up early—HVAC pros get booked quickly once Minnesota summer kicks into high gear.
3. Use Your Windows Strategically
Windows can either trap heat—or help cool your home.
- Close blinds or curtains during peak sun hours.
- Use blackout curtains or reflective window films on sun-facing sides.
- Open windows at night if the outside air is cooler, then close them early in the morning to trap the cool.
4. Seal Air Leaks
Stop cool air from slipping out and hot air from sneaking in.
- Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk.
- Inspect ductwork—leaky ducts can waste up to 30% of your cooled air.
- Insulate ducts running through attics, basements, or crawlspaces.
A tightly sealed home makes a world of difference.
5. Use Fans (But Use Them Smartly)
Fans don’t cool rooms—they cool people.
- Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise in summer.
- Turn fans off when you leave the room.
- Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to push hot air out.
6. Cut Down on Internal Heat
You could be heating your home without realizing it.
🔥 Here’s how to avoid that:
- Avoid ovens/stoves during peak heat—grill outside or use the microwave.
- Swap out old bulbs—LEDs give off less heat than traditional incandescent lights.
7. Invest in Energy-Saving Upgrades
Sometimes spending a little saves a lot.
- Upgrade to a high-efficiency AC unit (look for Energy Star-certified models).
- Check for Minnesota energy rebates—many utilities offer cash back for efficiency improvements.
- Add or improve attic insulation to reduce heat transfer.
8. Get Help From Mother Nature: Landscaping for Shade
Yes—plants help, too!
🌳 Try this:
- Plant shade trees or tall shrubs on the south and west sides of your home.
- Use ground cover or mulch to reduce heat reflection from pavement or soil.
Strategic landscaping can drop outdoor temps around your home by several degrees.
In a Nutshell: Outsmart the Heat, Not the Thermostat
Keeping cool during Minnesota’s hot, sticky summers doesn’t have to mean sky-high energy bills. Just like I told Mary after checking her system, “You don’t need to turn off the AC—you just need to outsmart the heat.”
With a mix of smart habits, small upgrades, and regular maintenance, you can stay comfortable without sweating over your electric bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I change my AC filter in summer?
Check it monthly. Replace every 1–3 months depending on usage, pets, or allergies.
2. Is it cheaper to leave the AC on all day or turn it off when I leave?
It’s best to raise the temperature (not turn it off entirely) when you’re away. This reduces strain while still keeping the house cool.
3. Does ceiling fan direction really matter?
Yes! In summer, set fans to spin counter-clockwise to push cool air downward.
