Survey: Homeowners are Ready To Skip Dining To Pay for Summer A/C Bills
More than three-quarters of surveyed homeowners said energy bills are causing financial stress, while many are delaying repairs or avoiding A/C use
BUST OUT THE FAN: Homeowners said they are getting creative when it comes to avoiding turning the a/c on.
As a heatwave grips most of the U.S., a new report highlights the financial stress that many homeowners are experiencing when it comes to their summer energy bills.
According to a new survey from SupplyHouse, more than three in four homeowners say energy bills are causing financial stress, and 15% of the 1,000 surveyed plan to sleep in uncomfortable heat this summer rather than run the a/c overnight.
FREON ISN’T FREE
“For most American homeowners, summer cooling costs have become a financial pressure point,” the SupplyHouse report stated. “The harder reality is that deferred HVAC repairs and ignored inefficiencies tend to cost more in the long run. Preventive maintenance and timely repairs are especially important to address before peak heat sets in.”
Three-quarters of those surveyed expect to pay more for utilities this summer compared to last year, and the anticipated bill is $221 per month. 35% said cooling costs are moderately or severely straining household finances, and 70% are dreading opening their summer energy bill.
To cut costs, 46% are relying on fans instead of a/c, 46% raising the thermostat to a less comfortable temperature, 39% delaying turning on the a/c for the season, 38% avoiding the oven or heat-generating appliances, 26% shutting off or avoiding cooling certain rooms, and 15% sleeping in uncomfortable heat to avoid running the a/c.
Furthermore, if cooling costs rise, 48% say they would skip dining out, and 19% said they are afraid to call an HVAC professional because of the potential cost. As a result, about 10% have attempted a DIY repair.
Overall, 22% said they are not very, or not at all, prepared for the financial impact of higher cooling costs this summer.
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SKIPPING THE PROS
The looming possibility of a significant bill from an HVAC contractor is causing homeowners to kick the can down the road or get creative to solve problems.
43% of homeowners have delayed an HVAC repair because of cost concerns. When asked why, 35% said the upfront costs are too high, 19% were afraid of what a professional might find, 10% went the DIY route, 10% were not sure who to call or where to start, and 9% said they’ve been meaning to call someone, but just haven’t gotten around to it.
50% said they either suspect an HVAC problem, or have a known problem they just aren’t addressing.
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