28Jul
Video walkthrough coming soon. The written guide below covers the same ground.
Summer Cooling Costs, Explained
Short answer
Orientation, insulation and the age of the cooling system drive most of a summer bill. Attic insulation, sealed ducts and solar screens usually pay back fastest.
Summer power bills in the valley surprise many new arrivals. A few factors explain most of the difference between two houses of the same size, and several fixes pay for themselves faster than people expect.
| Upgrade | Typical effect |
|---|---|
| Attic insulation top-up | Often the fastest payback in older homes |
| Duct sealing | Reduces leaks into hot attics |
| Solar screens on west glass | Cuts afternoon heat gain |
| Newer high-efficiency system | Lower running costs, higher upfront cost |
| Rooftop solar | Offsets daytime use, depends on contract terms |
“An inspection that includes the attic and ducts tells you more about future bills than the age of the cooling system alone.”
When we prepare listing or buyer notes, we ask for twelve months of utility bills and the details of any solar agreement. Leased solar can transfer with a sale but adds paperwork; owned systems are simpler. Either way, buyers deserve to see the numbers.
Questions readers ask
What is a normal summer bill?
It varies widely by size, age, orientation and solar. That is why we prefer real bills from the home over averages.
Should I replace an older cooling system before selling?
Not always. A clean service report and honest disclosure are often enough; we help you weigh the cost.
Discussion
Rosa M.
This was useful. We are looking at two homes next month and will take this list with us.
Owen Baptiste
Glad it helps, Rosa. Send us the addresses and we will add our notes on both.
