Summer in the Philadelphia region hits hard. Whether you're in South Jersey, Delaware, or right in the city, the combination of heat, humidity, and air conditioners running around the clock can send your energy bill through the roof. The good news? A few smart moves — from how you manage your thermostat to the efficiency of your cooling equipment — can make a meaningful difference.
Here's what Tri-State homeowners should know heading into the hottest months.
Why Summer Bills Spike in Our Region
The demand for electricity surges every summer as millions of households fire up their air conditioners simultaneously. Regional utility providers including PECO, PSE&G, and Delmarva Power all see their highest service demands during July and August heat waves — the exact moments when keeping your home comfortable feels non-negotiable.
According to a recent report from Philadelphia Today, PECO has been actively reinforcing its electric infrastructure heading into this summer season to meet that rising demand and help prevent outages. But while the grid is being strengthened, the biggest lever for managing your costs is still in your hands — or, more precisely, on your thermostat.
8 Ways to Lower Your Cooling Costs This Summer
1. Manage Your Thermostat Strategically
One of the simplest, highest-impact changes you can make is adjusting your thermostat settings intentionally throughout the day. PECO recommends keeping thermostats at a comfortable, constant level when you're home and raising the setting by seven degrees when no one is there. A good starting point is setting the indoor temperature between 75–78°F during the day. A programmable or smart thermostat makes this effortless by automating those adjustments around your schedule.
2. Service Your AC Before the Heat Peaks
Your air conditioner works harder — and costs more to run — when it's dirty or poorly maintained. Replacing or cleaning air filters at least once a month (or as often as the manufacturer recommends) and scheduling regular professional service can lower your AC's energy consumption by 5–15 percent. Getting a tune-up before temperatures climb is one of the best investments a homeowner can make each spring.
3. Use Ceiling Fans to Extend Your AC's Reach
Ceiling fans don't cool the air, but they do make rooms feel cooler by moving air over your skin. That means you can comfortably raise your thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. For maximum effectiveness in summer, run ceiling fans counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze — and remember to turn them off when you leave the room, since fans cool people, not spaces.
4. Block the Sun's Heat Before It Gets In
Keeping shades, blinds, and curtains closed on sun-facing windows during the day significantly reduces heat gain inside your home. For rooms that don't receive direct sunlight, you can leave window coverings open to bring in natural light without the heat. This passive cooling strategy costs nothing but can noticeably reduce how hard your AC has to work.
5. Run Heat-Producing Appliances at Night
Dishwashers, clothes dryers, and ovens all pump heat into your home when they run. Running these appliances at night, when outdoor temperatures are cooler, reduces the strain on your cooling system and keeps your home from warming up unnecessarily during the peak heat of the day.
6. Weatherize Your Home
Air leaks around doors, windows, and ductwork are silent budget-killers in summer. Reducing the amount of air that leaks in and out of your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to lower cooling costs while also increasing overall comfort. Caulking gaps, adding weatherstripping, and having your ductwork inspected are all worth the time and relatively low investment.
7. Upgrade to ENERGY STAR Equipment
If your AC unit is more than 10–12 years old, it's likely operating well below current efficiency standards. When purchasing new cooling equipment, look for the ENERGY STAR label, which identifies products that meet higher efficiency benchmarks — and that can translate to hundreds of dollars in annual savings compared to older systems.
8. Turn Off What You're Not Using
It sounds almost too simple, but unnecessary lighting and idle devices contribute to heat buildup and wasted electricity. Make a habit of turning off lights, unplugging chargers and small appliances, and switching off electronics when not in use — especially in rooms that are already warm.
Is It Time to Replace Your Cooling System?
If you're following all the tips above and still seeing sky-high bills, your equipment itself may be the problem. Older, low-efficiency air conditioners can cost significantly more to operate than a modern high-efficiency system — and the gap widens every summer as temperatures trend hotter.
At NoPay Carrier, we help Tri-State homeowners get into high-efficiency Carrier HVAC systems with flexible financing options designed to make upgrading accessible. A newer system can pay for itself in energy savings, and with available rebates and financing, the upfront cost doesn't have to stand in the way.
Financial Assistance Is Available
If energy costs are putting real pressure on your household budget, you may qualify for assistance. PECO's customer assistance programs — expanded as part of The Exelon Promise — are focused on delivering immediate relief, strengthening customer protections, and keeping energy costs as manageable as possible for families. Visit your utility provider's website to explore bill support, payment plans, and energy efficiency programs available in your area.
Ready to Upgrade Your Home's Comfort?
A high-efficiency Carrier system is one of the most effective long-term tools for controlling summer energy costs. Contact a local NoPay Carrier dealer to learn about your options, available rebates, and financing plans that let you start saving right away.