It’s the middle of July. The heat is sweltering, your fans are running and your air conditioner is cooling constantly. All seems right in the world, even if the weather is oppressive.
But when you get your energy bill, it’s several hundred dollars more than the month before.
Ouch.
When temperatures soar, your air conditioner works overtime. But what does that mean for the life of your HVAC unit and monthly energy bill? USA TODAY asked the HVAC experts at ARS to find out.
Longer Heat Waves Could Become the New Normal
Whether climate change is on your radar or not, one thing is for certain: Summers are getting hotter. Plus, the heat waves that have defined the past few weeks have been unbearable for humans and home systems.
With extended and expanded heat possibly our new normal, homeowners need to be ready. One place to start is with your HVAC system.
How Heat Waves Affect Your Energy Bill
Your monthly utility bill is just one piece of the puzzle; the increased wear and tear on your air conditioner is the hidden factor that could cost you thousands.
Because your system is running harder to maintain your home’s internal temperature, your air conditioner may need more frequent repairs and maintenance. This accelerated wear and tear can also shorten your HVAC’s lifespan, meaning you’ll need to replace it sooner.
- Air conditioning runs longer: Every system has its limits, and yours may cap out when the outside temperatures reach 100 degrees. If your thermostat is set to 70 degrees and your unit attempts to reach that number and can’t, it might just keep running all day. The more your system runs, the more energy you spend.
- Peak demand can increase costs: If a million or more people are running their air conditioners at once, the power grid may need to rely on expensive backup generators. This surge can increase energy costs and affect your bill.
- Older systems use more energy: Older HVAC units aren’t as efficient as newer models, and will use more electricity to cool your home.
How Much More Could You Pay during a Long Heatwave?
With this record heat, more people are relying on HVAC systems, namely air conditioners, to keep their homes comfortable. Between June and September 2026, American homeowners are expected to pay an average of up to $800 in electricity costs, a 10.5% increase from the same period in 2025. That’s about $75 to $80 more than the average household spent in previous years.
Signs Your HVAC System Is Struggling in the Heat
Reduced cooling performance is a valid concern during a heatwave. If the temperature outside is 100 degrees and your AC struggles to keep your home at 72, it doesn’t necessarily mean your unit is failing. It does, however, mean that your unit could be running nonstop and using more energy as it tries to cool your home.
There are a few telltale signs that your HVAC system is struggling to keep up with the heat; some are sneakier than others. While even a perfectly functional air conditioner can max out when the heat index reaches 110 degrees, if you notice any of these signs, it could mean your AC unit is about to quit:
- Your system is constantly running with few (or no) breaks
- Warm air blows through your vents instead of cool air
- Air flow is weak, like a weak trickle instead of forced air
- You notice uneven cooling, where certain rooms remain cooler than others
- You hear strange noises from your HVAC, like banging, buzzing or grinding
Smart Ways to Reduce Cooling Costs during a Heatwave
Optimize Thermostat Settings
The easiest way to save money (while also extending the life of your HVAC systems) is to let your systems rest when you aren’t home. These eco-friendly modes alter your home’s temperature throughout the day, but return to your preferred temperature when you come home. Some systems operate on a timer where you set your preferences; others can track your phone and turn on when they sense you’re on your way home.
Smart thermostats like Google Nest and Ecobees can customize your HVAC settings to different temperatures throughout the day, but they also track your air conditioner for you. “Those … can actually give recommendations for a house and how it reacts to the outside elements,” says Ken Turner, HVAC sales manager at YES! Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electric℠. In essence, they provide insights into the health of your HVAC systems.
Improve Your Home’s Efficiency
HVAC systems can only run efficiently if the rest of the home is up to speed, meaning your ducts, windows, doors and home insulation play just as big a role.
An HVAC company can help you identify areas where your home efficiency could improve, like sealing leaky air ducts, adding insulation to rooms that don’t have it, and replacing old windows and doors.
And here are some smaller ways to help your HVAC system run better during a heatwave:
- Using blackout curtains and shades to slow the heat from coming in
- Keeping shades closed during the hottest parts of the day
- Running ceiling fans throughout the day to circulate air
- Limiting oven and stove use during a heatwave
Maintain Your Cooling System
HVAC maintenance is critical to the health and efficiency of your system, and a few simple steps can help your system last longer and operate better.
You should replace your filter every one to three months; clean outdoor units at least twice a year; and schedule professional HVAC tune-ups each spring and fall.
Energy-Saving HVAC Upgrades That Can Pay Off over Time
HVAC systems are expensive. New systems cost from $4,500 for an air conditioner to more than $30,000 for complex installations. The upfront cost can cause sticker shock for even the most prepared homeowners, but the good news is that many of these systems do pay themselves off — and then some — in the long run.
High-efficiency HVAC models can cut as much as 40% off your home energy bill, saving you hundreds in utility costs each year. The average HVAC system pays for itself in five to 10 years, but that number depends on your climate, energy habits, local energy rates and system cost. With systems being built to last up to 20 years or longer, that’s a lot of savings you could benefit from.
Preparing for Future Summers
“The best time to replace is before you need to,” says Turner. Being proactive saves you stress, discomfort and money down the line.
The unfortunate truth is that HVAC systems fail when you need them most: Air conditioners break down during extreme heat, and furnaces break down in the winter. Instead of waiting for your system to break down, scheduling spring and fall HVAC maintenance can identify problems before they inflate into a full-blown disaster.
Reporting by Alora Bopray, USA TODAY / USA TODAY. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.
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