If you've opened your electric bill lately and thought, "There's no way it should be this high," you're far from alone.

A new 2026 Summer Cooling Cost Panic Report, which surveyed 1,000 U.S. homeowners, confirms what many families are already experiencing. Rising temperatures and rising utility costs are creating real financial stress, forcing homeowners to rethink how they cool their homes.

After more than 25 years in the HVAC industry, I wasn't surprised by the findings. They mirror conversations our team has every day with homeowners throughout Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Laurinburg, Lumberton, Rockingham, Sanford, and surrounding communities.

Let's look at what the report found—and, more importantly, what you can do about it.

What the Report Found

The survey uncovered several eye-opening statistics:

-77% of homeowners say summer cooling costs are causing financial stress.
-70% dread opening their summer electric bill.
-Homeowners expect to spend an average of $221 per month to cool their homes this summer—$47 more each month than they were paying previously.
-75% expect this summer's cooling bills to be even higher than last year's.
-65% have already cut spending elsewhere just to cover higher electric bills.
-Nearly half (48%) say dining out is the first thing they'll eliminate if cooling costs continue to climb.

Those numbers tell us something important.

Homeowners aren't simply looking for a colder house. They're looking for ways to stay comfortable without sacrificing the family budget.

Nearly Half of Homeowners Are Delaying Repairs

One of the most concerning findings in the report is that 43% of homeowners have delayed an HVAC repair because of the cost.

Even more concerning, 50% either know their system has a problem—or suspect it isn't operating efficiently—but haven't addressed it yet.

As an HVAC contractor, I completely understand why.

Unexpected repairs are never convenient.

But delaying repairs often creates two problems instead of one.

First, the issue usually gets worse. Second, the system has to work harder every single day, increasing wear on expensive components while driving your electric bill even higher.

A weak capacitor.

A dirty condenser coil.

A failing blower motor.

Restricted airflow.

These aren't problems that typically fix themselves.

Small issues often become expensive repairs when ignored.

Homeowners Are Sacrificing Comfort

The report also found homeowners are changing the way they live because they're worried about cooling costs.

-46% rely more on ceiling or portable fans instead of running the AC.
-46% keep their thermostat warmer than they'd really like.
-39% delay turning their air conditioner on for the season.
-27% say they've actually lost sleep because their home was too hot.
-15% plan to sleep in uncomfortable temperatures rather than run the air conditioner overnight.

While these strategies may reduce energy use, they don't answer the most important question:

Is your air conditioner operating as efficiently as it should?

If the answer is no, you may actually be spending more money while getting less comfort.

10 Practical Ways to Lower Your Cooling Costs

The good news is there are several things homeowners can do today to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary energy use.

1. Change Your Air Filter

A dirty filter restricts airflow and forces your system to work harder. During heavy summer use, check it monthly.

2. Stop Chasing the Thermostat

Turning the thermostat from 74° down to 68° doesn't cool your home faster. It simply tells the system to run longer.

Pick a comfortable temperature and let the system do its job.

3. Keep Sunlight Out

Close blinds and curtains during the afternoon, especially on windows that receive direct sunlight.

Less heat entering your home means less work for your air conditioner.

4. Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clear

Leaves, weeds, mulch, and overgrown shrubs restrict airflow around the condenser.

Keep at least two feet of open space around the unit.

5. Avoid Creating Heat Indoors

Try grilling outside, using the microwave instead of the oven during the afternoon, and waiting until evening to run the dishwasher or dryer when possible.

Every bit of indoor heat your appliances generate is heat your air conditioner has to remove.

6. Seal Air Leaks

Small gaps around doors, windows, attic hatches, and crawl spaces allow conditioned air to escape.

Weatherstripping and caulking are inexpensive improvements that can make a noticeable difference.

7. Leave Your Supply Vents Open

Many people think closing vents in unused rooms saves money.

In most homes, it actually reduces airflow and can make your HVAC system less efficient.

8. Schedule Professional Maintenance

Many efficiency problems aren't visible to homeowners.

Dirty coils.

Loose electrical connections.

Airflow restrictions.

Drain issues.

Routine maintenance helps identify those problems before they lead to higher bills or unexpected breakdowns.

9. Ask About an EasyStart

If your lights dim every time the air conditioner starts, your compressor struggles during startup, or you rely on a generator during storms, an EasyStart may be worth considering.

It isn't designed to lower your electric bill.

Instead, it reduces startup amperage and mechanical stress on the compressor, helping one of your HVAC system's most expensive components start more smoothly and potentially last longer.

10. Invest in Prevention Instead of Emergencies

One of the biggest lessons from this report is that homeowners want fewer surprises.

That's exactly why we believe in preventive maintenance.

Our Comfort Club includes scheduled system rejuvenations, priority service, repair discounts, and inspections designed to identify small issues before they become expensive emergencies.

No maintenance plan can guarantee a system will never fail.

But regular maintenance gives your air conditioner the best opportunity to operate efficiently, reliably, and safely throughout the year.

The Report Confirms What We've Been Saying for Years

This report isn't really about electricity.

It's about peace of mind.

Families want predictable utility bills.

They want reliable air conditioning.

They want to avoid expensive breakdowns.

And they want someone they can trust to help them make smart decisions—not simply sell them something.

Sometimes the answer is changing a dirty filter

Sometimes it's making a small repair before it becomes a major one.

Sometimes it's routine maintenance.

Sometimes it's improving airflow.

And occasionally, it's adding a product like an EasyStart to protect an aging compressor.

Every home is different, which is why a professional evaluation matters.

Here's the takeaway

The numbers don't lie.

If 77% of homeowners are worried about cooling costs, you're certainly not alone.

The encouraging news is that high electric bills don't automatically mean you need a new air conditioner. In many cases, there are practical, affordable steps you can take to improve efficiency, lower operating costs, and reduce the likelihood of an unexpected breakdown.

If your air conditioner seems to run constantly, your utility bills keep climbing, or you simply want to know whether your system is operating as efficiently as it should, we'd be happy to help.

At Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, we've been helping homeowners stay comfortable for more than 70 years. We'll explain what we find, answer your questions, and recommend only the solutions that make sense for your home.

Call 910-276-2790 or schedule online at SimmonsOneHour.com.

We're Always On Time, Or You Don't Pay A Dime!® 

Source

Statistics referenced in this article are based on the 2026 Summer Cooling Cost Panic Report conducted by SupplyHouse, which surveyed 1,000 U.S. homeowners about summer cooling costs, HVAC maintenance, and homeowner attitudes. You can read the full report here: https://blog.supplyhouse.com/summer-cooling-cost-panic-report

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