208-855-2444
Let’s be real—Idaho summers can get blazing hot, especially across the Treasure Valley. When it feels like the sun is parked right over Meridian, Nampa, or Boise, your air conditioner quickly becomes the MVP of your home. But there’s a catch: keeping cool often leads to soaring energy bills.
The good news? With just a few smart adjustments—and a little help from your local HVAC experts at Access Heating, Air & Plumbing—you can stay comfortable without getting burned by your power bill.
Here are five simple yet powerful ways to cut down your AC costs this summer, along with how much you could actually save.
1. Give Your AC a Break When You Can
Potential Savings: $10–$20/month
Did you know that simply turning off your AC during the cooler hours (like overnight or early morning) can knock serious dollars off your monthly bill? Boise’s average evening temperatures can dip into the 60s—even in July—making it the perfect time to crack those windows.
Use ceiling fans or whole-house fans to pull in that cool air and give your AC a rest. Fans use about 1/10th the electricity of your AC, so you’ll stay cool for pennies on the dollar.
💡 Access Tip: Want the ultimate combo? We install smart thermostats that let you automate this process for maximum savings.
2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings & Placement
Potential Savings: $15–$25/month
A poorly placed thermostat can cost you. If it’s near a lamp, TV, or sunny window, it might register your home as hotter than it really is—causing your AC to cycle unnecessarily. This is especially common in older homes throughout Boise and Nampa.
Set your thermostat to auto mode, not “on,” so it only kicks in when needed. And if you’re not already using a programmable or smart thermostat, it’s time.
📱 Stat Check: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, setting your thermostat 7–10 degrees higher for 8 hours a day can save you up to 10% a year on cooling costs—that’s about $200/year for most Treasure Valley homeowners.
💡 Access Can Help: We’ll help you install, relocate, or program your thermostat to make sure it’s working with you—not against you.
3. Keep Your AC System Running Like New
Potential Savings: $25–$40/month
Dusty filters, clogged condenser coils, or leaky ductwork can all push your AC into overtime. The result? Higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your system.
That’s why a seasonal tune-up is crucial—especially before the dog days of summer hit.
🧰 At Access, our AC tune-up includes:
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Full system performance check
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Filter replacement
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Coil cleaning
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Duct inspection
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And more
⚙️ A well-maintained system can operate 15–20% more efficiently—meaning a system that would’ve cost you $250/month to run may only cost $200 or less.
4. Cut Down on Indoor Heat Buildup
Potential Savings: $10–$15/month
Every time you fire up the oven, run the dryer, or use the dishwasher, you’re unintentionally heating your home from the inside. That forces your AC to work harder just to maintain comfort.
Instead, consider grilling outside, air-drying laundry, or running appliances during cooler hours (before 10am or after 8pm).
🍳 Boise Bonus: Local summer produce is in season—why not enjoy more fresh salads and outdoor grilling nights to keep the kitchen heat down?
💡 Access Tip: We can also evaluate your ventilation system to make sure hot air is being pushed out efficiently.
5. Seal Up Air Leaks Around Windows & Doors
Potential Savings: $20–$30/month
This one’s big—especially in older homes around downtown Boise, Caldwell, or Kuna. If your windows and doors are leaking cold air, your AC is wasting energy trying to cool a space that won’t hold the temperature.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that air leaks account for 25–30% of residential energy use. That’s hundreds of dollars a year in wasted cooling.
🔍 At Access, we offer Home Comfort Evaluations that include:
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Airflow analysis
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Window and door inspections
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Recommendations for weatherstripping, insulation, or upgraded sealing
💡 A properly sealed home can hold cool air longer, meaning your AC runs less often and for shorter cycles.
🔧 Let Access Help You Stay Cool & Save Big This Summer
At Access Heating, Air & Plumbing, we’re not just technicians—we’re your neighbors. We’ve been family-owned and operated in the Treasure Valley since 1972, and we know what it takes to keep your home comfortable all year round.
Here’s how we can help you save:
✅ AC tune-up
✅ Smart thermostat installations
✅ Whole-home energy audits
✅ Fan & ventilation upgrades
✅ All Access Membership plans for year-round savings
📅 Book your service today—and start stacking the savings before the next heatwave hits!
💬 Final Thoughts
Staying cool in an Idaho summer doesn’t have to mean outrageous power bills. With just a few upgrades and smarter habits, you can save $50–$100/month or more, all while extending the life of your AC system.
👉 Need help getting started? Call Access Heating, Air & Plumbing at 208-855-2444 —Treasure Valley’s trusted home comfort pros.
Stay cool. Save smart. And trust Rex and the crew at Access Heating, Air & Plumbing to keep your summer chill.
208-855-2444