What It Really Costs To Keep Your Home Cool For The Summer

Now that summer is finally here, we're soaking up all of the sun-filled days we can. When we're outside, we don't mind the heat, but inside, we like to keep things cool and breezy.

Depending on the climate and the setup of your house, there are a number of different ways to keep your home at a comfortable temperature all season long. We've rounded up some of the most popular options and how much each one costs.

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Install A Ceiling Fan

If you live in an area with mild summer temperatures and have a well-ventilated home, you may only need to add a ceiling fan or two to keep cool.

A ceiling fan provides an instant breeze, increases air circulation and quickly wafts away any musty room smells or cooking odors. Since ceiling fans need about the same amount of power as most light fixtures, usage may result in a slight increase in your electric bill, but it won't be as significant as the energy used by an air conditioning unit.

According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, the average homeowner paid between $144 and $351 to install a new ceiling fan.

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Install An Attic Fan

Heat rises. And in the dog days of summer, the temperature in your attic can get up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of heat will ruin anything you have stored in your attic, wreak havoc on your energy bills and decrease the life of your roofing materials.

An attic fan is an efficient way to reduce this buildup of heat. According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, the average homeowner paid between $369 and $856 to install an attic fan. This number varies based on the type of fan you install and the size of your attic.

In mild to moderate climates, installing a whole house fan is an economical option for cooling the home without air conditioning. A whole house unit works by pulling cooler outside air into the home and circulating it with cross breezes from open windows.

Whole house fans operate quickly and quietly and, although they provide ventilation throughout the entire house, they aren't typically a suitable cooling solution for homes located in areas with extreme summer climates.

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Install A Window Air Conditioner

Window air conditioning units are often used to remove humidity from the air and cool small spaces in the home. When shopping for a window AC unit, it's important to measure the window where the unit will be. This will equip you to purchase the right size window air conditioner.

Window air conditioning units are often used in high-traffic areas of the home, and they can be permanent or temporary installations. If you live in an area where you won't need air conditioning during the off seasons, you can install a temporary unit and remove it when you don’t need it.

If you install a permanent window unit, it will require more protection on the exterior parts because they are exposed to snow, rain and cold temperatures throughout the year. You may need to purchase additional mounting devices as well.

According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, the average homeowner spent $273 to install a window air conditioner. This is significantly less than the cost of installing central air but, if your home requires multiple window units, your costs and energy bill will reflect this increase.

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Install A Central Air Conditioning Unit

For a larger home with multiple rooms, installing a central air conditioner is often the best option. It will keep the whole house cool in the most intense summer heat. According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, homeowners paid between $3,752 and $7,246 to install a central air conditioning unit. The final cost depends on the size of the unit installed.

The biggest factor in determining the kind of air conditioning system you'll need is the size of your home. Air conditioning units are measured in tons or the amount of heat they can remove hourly in British thermal units (BTUs). If your home is larger, you'll need a unit with more BTUs. An air conditioning contractor will do a load calculation to determine the best size central air conditioning unit for your home.

When it comes to central air, a bigger unit isn't always better. If the unit is too large for your home, it may emit a loud, disruptive sound, and you'll be overpaying on your energy bills. On the flip side, a unit that's too small will run constantly and do an inefficient job of cooling your house.

And while a heating system might not be on your mind during the summer months, it's actually cost-effective to install a heating and air conditioner (HVAC) system at the same time. If you already have central heat, you can use the existing fans and duct system for the central air system.

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Service Your Existing Air Conditioning Unit

Proper maintenance is key to ensuring that your air conditioning unit operates at maximum efficiency. If the coils, filter and drain are not cleaned on an annual basis, your unit will have to work overtime to keep your house cool. And your energy bills will increase.

Improper maintenance of an air conditioning unit can also shorten its lifespan. Although some homeowners choose a DIY approach to maintenance and cleaning, a professional technician can service the unit and spot potential trouble before permanent damage is done.

According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, professional air conditioner maintenance costs around $163 to $541. These services will ensure your unit is functioning properly and save you thousands of dollars in repair or replacement costs down the road.

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