Why Energy Efficiency Matters—Especially in the Summer
In Rancho Cucamonga, summer heat can cause your air conditioning system to run for hours every day—which often translates to high energy bills. But cooling your home efficiently doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort.
This homeowner-friendly guide offers five practical, energy-saving tips that reduce cooling costs, improve comfort, and help your air conditioning system work smarter—not harder. These small changes can add up to significant savings across the cooling season.
1. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
Why It Works:
Manually adjusting your thermostat throughout the day is inefficient—and easy to forget. A programmable or smart thermostat allows your system to adjust automatically based on your schedule, saving energy when you’re away or asleep.
How to Use It Effectively:
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Set your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home
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Raise it 7–10°F when you’re away for more than a few hours
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Use smart features to learn habits and optimize cooling cycles
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Avoid extreme settings—your AC doesn’t cool faster by setting it lower
Bonus Tip:
Most smart thermostats connect with apps and even voice assistants, so you can control your system from anywhere.
2. Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation
Why It Works:
Leaky doors, windows, and ductwork let hot outdoor air in and cool indoor air out—making your AC work harder to maintain your desired temperature.
How to Improve Efficiency:
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Use weatherstripping around doors and windows
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Apply caulk to gaps in trim or around window frames
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Insulate attic spaces and ductwork (especially if in unconditioned areas)
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Close fireplace dampers and unused vents to reduce energy loss
According to Energy.gov, sealing leaks and insulating can save homeowners 10–20% on annual heating and cooling bills.
3. Use Ceiling and Portable Fans to Supplement Cooling
Why It Works:
Fans don’t lower air temperature, but they create a wind-chill effect that helps your body feel cooler. This allows you to raise the thermostat setting without sacrificing comfort.
How to Get the Most Out of Fans:
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Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise during the summer
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Use fans in occupied rooms only—turn them off when leaving
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Position portable fans near vents to circulate cooled air more effectively
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Use attic fans to draw out excess heat if applicable
Raising your thermostat by just 4°F with fan assistance can lower cooling costs by up to 10%.
4. Block Sunlight and Use Window Treatments
Why It Works:
Sunlight streaming through windows can quickly heat your home, adding to your AC’s workload—especially in homes with large or west-facing windows.
Smart Sunlight Strategies:
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Close blinds, shades, or curtains during the hottest hours (typically 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
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Use thermal or blackout curtains to further insulate against heat gain
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Apply window film to reflect sunlight and UV rays
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Install awnings or exterior shading over large sun-facing windows
These simple tactics can reduce solar heat gain by up to 77%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
5. Keep Your AC System Maintained
Why It Works:
An air conditioning system that’s dirty, neglected, or poorly tuned will consume more energy—and break down more often. Routine care helps your system run at peak performance all season long.
Maintenance Must-Dos:
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Replace or clean the air filter every 1–3 months
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Clear debris from the outdoor unit (keep 2–3 feet of clearance)
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Schedule an annual professional tune-up to inspect refrigerant levels, coils, and controls
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Ensure vents and ducts are unblocked and well-sealed
Regular AC maintenance can cut cooling costs by 15% or more and prevent mid-season breakdowns.
Learn more about the benefits of routine AC maintenance.
Why These Tips Work Well in Rancho Cucamonga
Homes in Rancho Cucamonga face specific energy challenges:
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Long cooling seasons (April–October) mean AC runs for months
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Dry heat and dust increase filter clogs and coil contamination
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Wildfire smoke during certain seasons can impact air quality and airflow
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Many homes have older ducts or single-pane windows that increase energy waste
These tips help minimize strain on your system, maintain air quality, and lower monthly utility bills in our unique Inland Empire climate.
FAQs: Saving Money on Air Conditioning
What’s the best temperature to set my AC in summer?
78°F is recommended for cooling while at home. Raise the temperature by 7–10°F when away for better savings.
Do fans really help reduce AC use?
Yes. Fans create a wind-chill effect, allowing you to raise the thermostat by several degrees without losing comfort.
How often should I change my AC filter to save energy?
At least every 1–3 months. Dirty filters reduce efficiency and increase energy consumption.
Will a smart thermostat save money?
Yes. Smart thermostats optimize energy usage based on your schedule and local climate, helping cut cooling costs by up to 10% or more.
Can I save money by turning off the AC when I’m not home?
Yes, but using a programmable thermostat to raise the temperature instead of shutting off completely is often more efficient and comfortable when you return.
Start Saving Today—Without Sacrificing Comfort
Lowering your cooling bills doesn’t mean sweating through the summer. With a few smart strategies and habits, you can maintain comfort while keeping your utility costs under control.
Need help getting your system summer-ready? Visit rc-airconditioning.com to learn more about energy-efficient cooling solutions for Rancho Cucamonga, CA.