How Can I Lower My Cooling Costs During Hot Spells?

Staying Comfortable Without Running Your AC Unit Nonstop – Inland Northwest

If you live in the Inland Northwest, summer heat can feel a little deceptive. We’re not Phoenix or Las Vegas but when July and August hit, long daylight hours, dry air, and sudden heat waves can still send your cooling costs and bills climbing fast.

Many homeowners from Coeur d’Alene to Spokane, WA ask the same question every summer:

“How do I stay comfortable without running my AC nonstop?”

The good news is that lowering cooling costs here isn’t about one magic trick. It’s about understanding how your home, your HVAC system, and our regional climate all work together and making a few smart adjustments that actually matter.

Start With the Basics Because They Really Do Work

Some advice gets repeated because it’s effective, especially in our climate.

• Schedule annual AC maintenance before peak heat hits. In the Inland Northwest, systems often sit idle through long winters. That first heat wave can expose worn capacitors, dirty coils, or low refrigerant levels that force your system to work harder (and cost more).

• Change or clean your air filters monthly during summer. Wildfire smoke, dust, and pollen are common here, and clogged filters restrict airflow which is one of the biggest hidden causes of high energy use. Best practice: Check your filter monthly during summer and replace it as soon as it shows visible buildup. Dirty air filters are one of the most common causes of high cooling costs and unnecessary AC repairs.

• Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and attic penetrations. Even newer homes can lose cooled air through small gaps, especially during hot afternoons when pressure differences increase.

Setting your thermostat to around 78°F when you’re home is also a solid target. In our low-humidity climate, that temperature usually feels comfortable, especially when paired with ceiling fans.

Take Advantage of Cool Inland Northwest Nights

One advantage homeowners in North Idaho and Eastern Washington have is cooler nighttime temperatures.

You can reduce AC strain by:

• Ventilating your home at night when outdoor temperatures drop

• Closing windows early in the morning to trap cool air

• Delaying AC use until late morning

If your system still runs excessively despite these strategies, it’s often a sign that the AC is no longer operating efficiently and needs professional service.

Rethink How and When Your AC Runs

Many homeowners assume lower temperatures equal better comfort but that’s not always true.

• Avoid drastic thermostat changes. Cranking your AC way down doesn’t cool your home faster; it just forces longer run times.

• Use programmable or smart thermostats to automatically raise temperatures when you’re away and bring them back down before you return.

• Run ceiling fans correctly. Fans cool people, not rooms. Turn them off when you leave, and make sure they rotate counterclockwise in summer.

These adjustments help your system cycle efficiently, which matters during extended hot spells when equipment strain is highest.

When Lowering Cooling Costs Means Calling for AC Repair

If you’ve followed these steps and your energy bills remain high, your AC system may be signaling a deeper issue.

Common signs you may need AC repair include:

• Warm or weak airflow from vents

• Uneven temperatures between rooms

• Constant cycling during hot afternoons

• Rising energy bills with no change in usage

Addressing these problems early can prevent complete breakdowns during peak summer demand, when repair wait times are often longest.

Know When It’s Time for a System Upgrade

Older systems struggle more during prolonged heat waves, especially if they weren’t sized or installed correctly for today’s summers.

If your HVAC is any of the following it may be time for an efficiency assessment.

• Over 12–15 years old

• Frequently running without reaching set temperature

• Driving up utility bills year over year

Modern high-SEER systems and heat pumps perform especially well in the Inland Northwest, where cooling demand is seasonal but intense.

Schedule AC Maintenance or Repair Before the Next Heat Wave

Lowering cooling costs during hot spells starts with smart habits but lasting savings come from a system that’s properly maintained and professionally serviced.

If your AC hasn’t been checked recently or is struggling to keep up with summer heat, scheduling AC maintenance or repair now can help reduce energy costs, improve comfort, and prevent emergency breakdowns when temperatures peak.

Call Prairie Heating & Air at 208-619-6480 for any HVAC repair service need or contact us online with any questions.

Ask about our No Charge Service Call and we’ll be ready to help.