Feeling the heat in California? How to save money, stay cool as temperatures rise
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- PG&E said people should set thermostats at 78 degrees to reduce energy consumption.
- Ceiling fans, closed blinds and off-peak appliance use can help cut cooling costs.
- CDC advised hydration, minimal outdoor activity and cool showers to stay safe.
As triple-digit temperatures bake several parts of California, fans are on full blast and air conditioners are working overtime.
The National Weather Service said there will be “little to no relief” even at night for areas across central California, the Merced Sun Star previously reported.
The weather agency has issued extreme heat warnings for several areas of the state, including parts of San Luis Obispo and Fresno counties, as well as heat advisories for Merced and Sacramento.
California residents can expect dangerously hot conditions, with temperatures rising above 100 degrees in many places, the weather service said.
Here are ways to safely beat the heat and stay cool without breaking the bank:
How to keep your home cool and save money
According to Pacific Gas & Electric Co., these are the best ways to stay safe and cool while reducing energy costs:
- Pre-cool your home by turning on air conditioners during the morning hours.
- Set thermostats at 78 degrees.
- Avoid using the oven. Use your stove, microwave or grill instead.
- Limit how often you open your refrigerator.
- Cover your windows so air conditioners can be more effective in your home.
- Use a ceiling fan in conjunction with air conditioning to save on cooling costs.
- Use large appliances including dishwashers and laundry washers in the morning or at night after 9 p.m.
Does setting your AC to 78 degrees actually save money?
You can save money by setting your thermostat to 78 degrees during hot weather, according to Deione Brown, owner of Capital City Comfort, a Sacramento heating, cooling and ventilation company.
Keeping your home between 75 and 78 degrees can help your air conditioning system work more efficiently and cut down energy costs, Brown previously told The Sacramento Bee.
“When it is 110 degrees outside, your unit is working very hard to achieve 78 degrees inside, especially when compared to a 90-degree day,” PG&E wrote on its website.
According to PG&E, air conditioning units are the most common cause of sky-high electric bills.
“The more you run your air conditioner, the higher your bill will be,” the utility company said.
You can also keep summer energy costs low by turning off the AC if you’re leaving your home for more than two hours, PG&E said.
The utility company advised Californians to keep the temperature set to 85 degrees overnight while also using “overhead fans to circulate already cool air throughout your home.
Ways to stay safe during California heat wave
These are essential steps to take to avoid heat-related illness or death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Stay in air-conditioned locations as much as possible
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
- Limit outdoor activities
- Wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing and put on sunscreen
- Take cold showers or bath to cool down
Who’s most at risk for heat-related illnesses?
Some people are especially vulnerable to high heat, including young children and infants, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women, the National Weather Service said.
National Weather Service meteorologist Kristan Lund advised impacted people to stay hydrated and reassess plans to do outdoor activities during the heat wave.
“Check in on vulnerable family, friends, neighbors, this could be elderly youth and young pets, anyone who’s more susceptible to heat,” she previously told The Tribune.
How long will hot weather last?
The heat wave is expected to continue through the weekend in Northern and Central California, according to the National Weather Service.
The state could also see warmer-than-usual temperatures this fall.
In its latest seasonal forecast, the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicted warm, dry fall weather across much of the United States, including California.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center’s latest three-month outlook shows above-normal temperatures for the fall months. in September, October and November in much of California.
The chance of above-normal temperatures ranges from 33% to 50%, according to the Climate Prediction Center.
This story was originally published August 21, 2025 at 11:49 AM with the headline "Feeling the heat in California? How to save money, stay cool as temperatures rise."
