August Electric Bill Shock? Here’s How to Lower It Before the Month Ends

Energy-Saving Tips for Naperville, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Elmhurst, Downers Grove, and All of DuPage County

If you opened your August electric bill and nearly spilled your coffee, you’re not alone. In DuPage County, from Naperville to Lombard, homeowners are feeling the pinch of running air conditioners nonstop during this summer heatwave.

The good news? You can take immediate steps to bring those costs down—without giving up comfort.

1. Book Your Late-Summer AC Maintenance

Even if you missed spring tune-ups, an AC maintenance visit now can still make a big difference. A skilled technician can:

• Clean dirty coils for smoother operation
• Swap out worn parts before they fail
• Reduce system strain to save on energy costs

 Pro Tip: A well-maintained AC can cut cooling costs by up to 15% and prevent mid-season breakdowns.

Not sure why your system is under strain? Check out our post on the top 5 reasons your air conditioner might be struggling this summer for common causes and quick fixes.

2. Swap Your Air Filter—Today

Across Carol Stream, Villa Park, and Addison, one of the biggest causes of high bills is a clogged filter.

• Dirty filters choke airflow and make your AC run longer.
• A fresh filter can improve efficiency instantly—sometimes lowering your bill in the same cycle.

3. Use Your Thermostat to Your Advantage

Raising your thermostat just 2–3 degrees when you’re asleep or away can mean significant monthly savings.

• Smart thermostats take it a step further, learning your schedule and adjusting temps automatically.
• Many models also track energy usage, so you can spot spikes early.

4. Keep Vents & Returns Clear

From Lisle to Oak Brook, we often find blocked vents behind furniture or rugs.

• Keep at least 12 inches of clearance around supply vents and returns.
• Better airflow = shorter run times and lower bills.

5. Control Humidity for Maximum Comfort

High humidity makes your home feel warmer than it is, forcing your AC to run longer.

• A whole-home dehumidifier removes excess moisture and reduces cooling demand.

 August Special: Save $100 on whole-home dehumidifier installation this month only.

6. Stop Cool Air from Escaping

If you’re cooling the great outdoors through leaky windows, doors, or ducts, your AC will never keep up.

• Add weatherstripping to doors and windows.
• Consider professional duct sealing for a bigger efficiency boost.

Save Money Now—and All Year Long

If your AC is still struggling or your bills keep climbing, it might be time for:

• AC repair to fix worn or failing parts
• An energy-efficient system upgrade that can slash cooling costs

Looking for more ways to cut expenses? Our post on 5 HVAC upgrades that pay for themselves is packed with cost-saving ideas you can implement today.

 Call Affordable American Air at 630-HVAC-995 or schedule service online to start saving today.

Proudly serving Naperville, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Elmhurst, Downers Grove, and all surrounding DuPage County communities with AC repair, AC maintenance, and energy-efficient air conditioning solutions.