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Air conditioner summer prep
Ways to prepare your AC unit for the summer months
Audio description and transcript are also available for this video.
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Top FAQs on summer energy use
Should I leave my AC at a set temperature while I'm out, so it doesn’t have to work hard when I return?
No. If you will be out for more than 4 hours, turn off your AC unit to save money. If you have a smart thermostat, you can schedule your AC to come on 30 minutes before you return to pre-cool your home. Portable fans and swamp coolers are lower cost options that can be used to cool your home.
Why does my bill remain high if my thermostat is set to the recommended 78 degrees?
Although 78 degrees is the recommended setting (health permitting) to manage energy use and maintain a comfortable home, outside temperatures can influence how much your AC unit will have to work. For example, if you live in an area where temperatures are over 100 degrees in the summer, your AC may need to work hard throughout the day to maintain the 78 degrees on the inside.
How can I reduce my energy use if I have a swimming pool?
We recommend you use our Rate Plan Comparison Tool to check if you are on the best rate plan for your energy use. If you are on a Time-of-Use rate plan, make sure your pool pump is programmed to run outside of peak hours when demand and costs may be lower. Also check your pool pump and the chemicals and additives you use to see if there is a combination that can help reduce the time and frequency of your pool pump running. Explore Energy Action Guide for the most energy efficient pool pumps if you are looking to update or replace.
How do I maximize the efficiency of my solar panels?
To get the most out of your panels, make sure you perform annual cleaning and maintenance. You can also use the Solar Summary tool to track your usage, gain insights into how weather impacts your system or to plan for your next True-Up. Take the free Home Energy Checkup to see where you are using the most energy and get personalized recommendations that can help you manage your use.
Can I be notified of a potential high bill before it gets too high?
Yes! Bill Forecast Alert will notify you by email or text if your bill is projecting to be higher than a specified amount set by you, so that you can take energy saving actions before your next statement arrives.
Sign up today.
Save with these AC Ideas
Seven ways to save:
Cool down with a fan
Fans keep air circulating, allowing you to raise the thermostat a few degrees and stay just as comfortable, while reducing your air conditioning costs.
Save up to $15/year
Install an airtight AC
Over time, moisture can damage your window air conditioner seal and allow cool air to escape. Keeping the seal tight can help reduce your cooling costs.
Save up to $20/year
Replace filters as needed
Dirty air filters make your air conditioner work harder to circulate air. By cleaning or replacing your filters monthly, you can improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.
Save up to $15/year
Add layers to windows
Use shade coverings and awnings and your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to cool your home.
Save up to $140/year
Close your shades in the summer
Sunlight passing through windows heats your home and makes your air conditioner work harder. You can block this heat by keeping blinds or drapes closed on sunny days.
Save up to $30/year
Clear the area around your AC
Your air conditioning unit will operate better if it has plenty of room to breathe. The air conditioner's outdoor unit, the condenser, needs to be able to circulate air without any interruption or obstruction.
Save up to $15/year
Use these energy savers in any season and save
Save energy 365 days per year with these simple ideas.
Wash clothes with cold water
About 90% of the energy consumed for washing clothes is used to heat water. Washing with cold water instead of hot will help you save energy.
Save up to $15/year
Use and switch off power strips
Many computers, televisions, and other devices draw power even when they’re turned off. With the flip of a switch, you can easily cut off power to multiple devices at once to save time, energy, and money.
Save up to $280/year
Unplug electronics when not in use
Electronics like cell phone chargers, entertainment systems, coffee makers and more continue to draw energy even when turned off. Unplug them to avoid unnecessary energy use.
Save up to $280/year
Adjust the display on your television
Bright display modes are often unnecessary for your home and use a considerable amount of energy. Adjusting your TV settings can reduce its power use.
Save up to $10/year
Replace inefficient light bulbs
LED light bulbs use less energy and last longer than incandescent bulbs, saving you money on energy bills and lighting costs.
Save up to $260/year
Make a splash with pool energy savings
Install a variable speed pool pump
A properly sized variable speed pump can help you save up on your pool's energy costs.
Save up to $625/year
Cover your pool
A pool cover will keep your water temperature warm, which could save you on pool heating costs.
Save up to $1,300/year
Reduce your pool pump's run time
Reducing run time by 60-75% can result in large energy savings.
Save up to $500/year
Reduce pool temperature
Turn down your pool temperature to turn up your savings.
Save up to $280/year
Weatherproof your home and save
Improve your home’s insulation
Improvements to insulation can help you stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer while reducing your energy costs.
Save up to $90/year
Seal leaky ducts
When ducts have leaks, they can lose up to 15% of heated or cooled air before it reaches living spaces.
Save up to $90/year
Weatherstrip windows and doors
Weatherstripping your windows and doors will help reduce the heat gained because of leaky seals.
Save up to $120/year
Seal air leaks
Air leaks force your AC to work harder, increasing energy costs. Sealing air leaks could save you up to 20% on your annual heating and cooling costs.
Save up to $120/year
Have larger home energy projects? Finance up to $50,000 for 15 years at competitive rates through the State of California-administered Residential Energy Efficiency Loan program available in all counties.
Make home upgrades to save all year
Upgrade your old central AC
Investing in an efficient, ENERGY STAR certified unit will dramatically lower your cooling costs.
Save up to $110/year
Replace your old refrigerator
If your refrigerator was made in 2001 or earlier, investing in a new model could start saving you energy and money right away.
Save up to $40/year
Improve your home’s insulation
Improvements to insulation can help you stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer while reducing your energy costs.
Save up to $90/year
Replace inefficient light bulbs
LED light bulbs use less energy and last longer than incandescent bulbs, saving you money on energy bills and lighting costs.
Save up to $260/year
Weatherstrip windows and doors
Weatherstripping your windows and doors will help reduce the heat gained because of leaky seals.
Save up to $120/year
Upgrade your gas water heater
Water heating is typically one of the largest energy expenses in your home. If your gas water heater is more than 11 years old, it is likely cost effective to replace it.
Save up to $80/year
Ways to save this summer
Watch these tips and tools for easy summer energy savings
Audio description and transcript are also available for this video.
Access an audio descriptive version
Download a transcript (PDF, 57 KB)
Rate Plan Comparison Tool
Get a personalized rate plan recommendation based on how your household uses energy. This easy-to-use tool also provides estimated yearly costs.
Home Energy Checkup
Identify sources of wasted energy in your household and get a personalized savings plan to lower monthly bills in only 5 minutes.
Budget Billing
Level out monthly payments and offset high seasonal bills with Budget Billing, a free tool that averages your annual energy costs to help you manage your bills.
CARE and FERA
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs offer income-qualified customers a discount on their monthly energy bill. Find out whether your household qualifies and enroll.
Energy Savings Assistance Program
The Energy Savings Assistance Program offers no-cost home energy improvements that may include weatherproofing, minor home repairs and select appliance replacement for income-qualified homes that are at least five years old.
Medical Baseline Program
The Medical Baseline Program provides residential customers, who rely on power for certain medical needs, additional energy at the lowest price on their current rate.
NOTE: Savings are approximate and may vary by home and energy use.