5 Ways To Lower Your Cooling Bill This Summer

Sweltering summers and high energy bills go hand in hand, especially if you live in one of Chicago’s older homes. Drafty windows, outdated ductwork, and poor insulation can all make your air conditioner work harder than it needs to.

At American Vintage Home, we know these homes inside and out and help homeowners like you reduce AC costs in summer without losing the charm of your space. If you’ve been wondering how to lower your cooling bill, these realistic, homeowner-approved summer energy-saving tips are a smart place to start.

Set Your Thermostat Wisely

For most Chicago homes, especially older ones without zoned cooling, keeping the thermostat around 76-78 degrees during the day strikes a balance between comfort and savings. If you’ll be away from home for a while, you can also bump it up a few degrees.

If you haven’t upgraded to a programmable or smart thermostat yet, it’s worth it. Letting your system rest when you’re not home helps you lower your cooling bill without lifting a finger, and your older home won’t feel any less comfortable.

Use Fans To Boost Airflow

Fans are underrated heroes, especially in homes with stubborn hot spots or high ceilings. They don’t cool the air, but they do help it circulate, which makes you feel cooler even if the thermostat stays put.

Try running ceiling fans counterclockwise in the summer or setting up a box fan near a vent to spread the cool air around. This takes the pressure off your AC and lets it work less, helping you reduce AC costs in summer without needing to crank the system up.

Seal Windows & Doors

In vintage homes, character often comes with quirks, including gaps around windows and doors. These small air leaks can add up, letting hot, humid air seep in while your cool air leaks out.

Take time to seal those leaks with weatherstripping, caulk, or even a door sweep. You’ll feel the difference, and so will your energy bill. For older homes, this step is key to saving money on air conditioning all summer long.

Close Blinds & Curtains During the Day

Sunlight looks pretty, but it heats your home fast, especially if you have older, single-pane windows. During the sunniest parts of the day, draw your curtains or lower your shades to block out excess heat.

Bonus tip: Use light-colored curtains to reflect the sun instead of absorbing it. It’s one of the simplest summer energy-saving tips, and it works even better when paired with fans or a well-tuned cooling system.

Schedule Regular AC Maintenance

An air conditioner that’s been sitting all winter can’t do its job well without a bit of help. Dirt buildup, loose parts, and airflow issues can quietly increase your energy use and reduce your comfort.

At American Vintage Home, we understand that older homes need special care when it comes to cooling. Our maintenance services are designed to keep your AC running smoothly and efficiently all season long. A quick tune-up now can help you avoid breakdowns later and save money on air conditioning while staying comfortable.

Stay Cool & Energy-Efficient With American Vintage Home

Cooling older homes on the North Shore takes a different approach, and that’s what we’re known for. At American Vintage Home, we work to help lower energy bills and improve comfort. Whether it’s installing SpacePak, sealing air leaks, or tuning up your AC, we’ll ensure your home stays cool without wasting energy. Let’s get your home ready for a better summer.

Call American Vintage Home for HVAC services today! Let’s make your home cooler, more efficient, and easier to enjoy all summer long.