How Much Does AC Cost in Texas This Summer?

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Air conditioners play a major role in Texas, especially in the hot summer months. During times of high energy demand, the wholesale cost of electricity normally rises. This trend means you could pay even more to cool your home if your energy plan does not include a fixed rate.

So, how much does it cost to cool a home in Texas during the summer? Here’s what you should know.

Average cost of air conditioning in Texas

Air conditioning typically accounts for one of the largest portions of electricity usage in U.S. homes and businesses. Data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) in 2020 estimated that air conditioning accounts for approximately 28% of electricity consumption in Texas homes. 

To understand how much air conditioning costs in Texas, let’s look at the average Texas electricity bill. According to the EIA, the current average price of electricity in Texas is 14.74 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), and the average monthly electricity usage is 1,178 kWh. That brings the average Texas electricity bill to $173.64 per month. 

Since air conditioning takes up approximately 28% of electricity consumption in most U.S. homes, Texans can expect to pay $48.62 per month for AC during the summer. Over the course of Texas’s hottest months, June–August, that would cost about $145.86. 

Here’s a breakdown of how much Texans pay for air conditioning using the average cost of energy bills.

Over recent years, the rates for electricity have steadily risen. In the summer months, the market cost of power also spikes due to high demand. If you are enrolled in a variable-rate plan, you may experience a rate spike during the summer. If you would like to explore affordable energy plans, enter your ZIP code on the SaveOnEnergy marketplace to compare prices and features. 

5 tips to save on AC today

Looking for ways to reduce your overall energy consumption and lower your summer energy bills? Here are some tips to help you save on air conditioning costs. 

Calculate your home’s energy consumption

Understanding how much electricity your home uses every month can help you learn how to cut back. Use the SaveOnEnergy usage calculator to learn how to add up the amount of power you use in your home. Once you know this, you can implement strategies to reduce your consumption.

Properly maintain your AC unit

Stay up to date on maintaining your AC unit to help reduce costs. Make sure to change your air filters, clean your air vents, and have a licensed technician inspect your HVAC unit regularly. This preventative step ensures your HVAC unit works as efficiently as possible and could lower your energy costs. 

Increase the thermostat’s temperature when you leave

Don’t pay extra to cool an empty house. If you leave every day for work or are going on a trip, make sure to bump your thermostat up a few degrees. Installing a smart thermostat allows you to automate this process and change the temperature even when you are away from home. 

Invest in energy-efficient windows

Double-paned, energy-efficient windows ensure that cool air stays inside your home while the hot air stays outside. These could make a significant difference during hot summer months and will also work in the winter to keep your home warm. 

Seal leaks around windows and doors

If it’s not in the budget to upgrade all of your windows, consider caulking, sealing, or weatherstripping any cracks in the house or leaks around your windows and doors.

Create shade inside and outside your home

Curtains and blinds can effectively reduce sunlight and increase shade in your home. During the day, when the sun is at its peak, close your curtains and blinds to reduce air conditioning costs. You can also plant trees outside your home to help block the sun and keep your home cool.