“Cooling your home shouldn’t mean draining your wallet.”
With Indiana summer highs often soaring into the 90s and humidity thick enough to wear, your air conditioner works overtime. And with that overtime comes the energy bill. In fact, cooling makes up about 16% of the average U.S. home’s energy use, and that percentage spikes even higher during the dog days of summer in Central Indiana.
At Hoosier Indoor Air, we help our neighbors in McCordsville, Fishers, Geist, and across Central Indiana stay comfortable without overpaying. Here’s how you can too.
Why Are Your Cooling Bills So High?
The Cost of Staying Cool
- Indiana households use an average of 928 kWh per month, and much of that goes toward air conditioning.
- Electric rates in Indiana average 12.38 cents/kWh, which might sound low, but it adds up fast when your AC runs for 8+ hours a day.
The AC Load Multiplies in Summer
Your AC doesn’t just have to cool air. It has to battle sunlight, humidity, poor insulation, and internal heat from appliances and people. The more it runs, the more it costs you.
Smart Thermostat Settings = Lower Bills
The Ideal Summer Temperature
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the ideal AC temperature in summer is 78°F when you’re home. Bumping it up by even 2 degrees can reduce your bill by up to 10%.
Schedule Your Setbacks
- Set your thermostat to 85°F when you’re away for more than 4 hours.
- Use vacation mode or the “hold” setting if you’re out of town.
Don’t Fall for the “Crank It Down” Myth
Setting your thermostat to 65° doesn’t cool your home faster—it just forces your AC to work longer. Be patient and use a fan instead.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats like Ecobee or Nest learn your schedule, adjust temps automatically, and let you control cooling from your phone. They pay for themselves in about two summers.
Easy Ways to Reduce Cooling Costs
Block the Heat Before It Starts
- Close curtains and blinds, especially on south- and west-facing windows.
- Seal air leaks with weatherstripping or caulk around windows and doors.
- Use light-colored curtains to reflect heat instead of absorb it.
Run Heat-Producing Appliances After Dark
- Save laundry, baking, and dishwasher loads for the evening.
- Use the grill instead of the oven whenever possible.
Boost Airflow for Free
- Keep interior doors open to promote circulation.
- Use ceiling fans to create a wind-chill effect; they can make it feel 4°F cooler.
- Set fans to rotate counterclockwise during summer.
Cleanliness = Efficiency
- Change your air filter every 30–60 days in summer.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of grass, mulch, and debris.
- Vacuum your return vents to remove dust buildup.
Calculate Your AC Usage (And Cut It Down)
How Much Does Your AC Actually Cost?
If you have a 2.5-ton AC unit, you’re likely using about 2.5 kWh per hour of operation.
- Run it for 8 hours/day = 20 kWh/day
- Multiply by 30 days = 600 kWh/month
- At 12.38 cents per kWh = $74.28/month just on AC
Cut that by 10% with better habits and maintenance? That’s nearly $90 saved in a season.
Professional Services That Pay Off
Get a Summer Tune-Up
A well-maintained system runs smoother and more efficiently. Our AC tune-ups include:
- Coil cleaning
- Refrigerant check
- Thermostat calibration
- Airflow inspection
Book in spring to avoid peak-season pricing and breakdowns!
Consider Upgrading Your System
An older system (10+ years) can use up to 40% more energy than today’s high-efficiency models. Replacing it can help you:
- Increase your home’s value
- Lower long-term cooling costs
- Stay covered with a new warranty
We can walk you through upgrading HVAC system cost options and rebates available in Indiana.
Trusted AC Services Near You
If you’re searching for AC repair near me or ways to lower your summer bills, we’re just around the corner.
Hoosier Indoor Air
6080 N Railroad St.
McCordsville, IN 46055
(317) 466-7437
se*****@ho**************.cose*****@ho**************.com“>m
We proudly serve Indianapolis, Fishers, Geist, Noblesville, McCordsville, Fortville, and surrounding Central Indiana communities.
Final Thoughts
Summer in Indiana doesn’t have to mean sky-high electric bills. With the right thermostat settings, smarter cooling habits, and proactive HVAC care, you can stay cool and keep your costs down.
Need help getting your AC ready for the heat? Contact Hoosier Indoor Air today to schedule a tune-up or energy-saving consultation.
