How to Lower Your Summer Energy Bills With a 14.3 SEER2 AC System: A Smart Shopper’s Strategy Guide

Let’s be real—summer electric bills can hit hard. A few years ago, mine shot up by 40% during a July heatwave, and I hadn’t even left the AC on all day! That’s when I realized I had no strategy for running my HVAC system efficiently.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve learned how to slash my summer energy use—without turning my house into a sauna. One of the key pieces? Investing in an energy-efficient unit like the Goodman GSXN402410 2-Ton 14.3 SEER2 AC condenser.

But even with a better SEER2 rating, the way you run and maintain your AC can make or break your savings. Here’s how I keep my home cool and my bills low—and how you can, too.

🧠 First, What Does 14.3 SEER2 Actually Save You?

We talked about this in our SEER2 blog, but let’s break it down in dollars and cents.

If you’re upgrading from an older 10 SEER unit to a 14.3 SEER2 unit like the GSXN402410, you can expect around 30%–40% energy savings. That could be $100–$300 saved every summer, depending on where you live.

To put it in perspective, Energy Star estimates that air conditioning accounts for around 12% of a home’s total energy bill—and much more in hotter states.

So while 14.3 SEER2 isn’t the most efficient on the market, it’s definitely in that sweet spot of affordability and performance. But if you’re not optimizing usage, even the best-rated unit won’t save you what it should.

🎯 Strategy 1: Set Your Thermostat the Smart Way

Let me start with the number one game changer: using your thermostat wisely.

Here’s what I’ve learned (from experience AND from the U.S. Department of Energy):

• Set it to 78°F when you’re home. It feels warm at first, but your body adjusts quickly—and every degree higher can save you 3% on cooling costs.

• Raise it 7–10 degrees when you’re away during the day.

• Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automate it. I use the Ecobee, but Nest and Honeywell also make great options.

Most people crank it down to 72°F and leave it there all day. That’s like driving your car 90 MPH and expecting good gas mileage!

💨 Strategy 2: Don’t Ignore Your Air Filters

I used to forget about my filters… until I learned that a clogged filter can cut your AC’s efficiency by 15% or more.

Clean filters help your system:

• Run more efficiently

• Cool faster

• Prevent coil freezing

• Last longer

Change them every 30 days during summer, or every 60–90 days if you use high-quality pleated filters.

And yes, you can find this tip in every pro guide—including this excellent checklist from Family Handyman. But it’s still the one most homeowners skip! 

🧱 Strategy 3: Insulate and Seal Like a Pro

If your AC is running hard but the house still feels warm, you might be cooling the outside. 

Here’s what I fixed in my own home:

• Added weatherstripping to doors

• Caulked around leaky window frames

• Installed insulated blackout curtains in sunny rooms

• Upgraded attic insulation from R-11 to R-38

According to Energy.gov, sealing air leaks can reduce total energy costs by 10%–20%—and make your home way more comfortable.

Even better? These fixes are cheap and totally DIY-friendly. I did most of mine with a $30 caulking gun and a free Saturday.

🧊 Strategy 4: Use Fans to Take the Pressure Off Your AC

Here’s a secret weapon that’s been a game-changer for me: ceiling and box fans.

When used with your AC:

• They circulate cool air, so you can raise the thermostat 2–4 degrees and still feel comfortable.

• They cost just pennies per hour to run.

• They help avoid hot spots in upstairs rooms.

According to Consumer Reports, running a ceiling fan allows most homeowners to raise their thermostat by 4 degrees with no loss in comfort. That’s a huge energy saver.

☀️ Strategy 5: Shade and Ventilate Strategically

Don’t underestimate the power of natural shade. Here’s how I keep sunlight from turning my house into a greenhouse:

• Planted bushes near sun-facing windows

• Installed reflective window film upstairs

• Use solar shades on the back patio

• Keep interior doors open to let air flow freely

The EPA recommends using landscaping to reduce cooling needs by up to 25%, and it’s one of the best passive ways to reduce energy load.

If you want to geek out like I did, check out the Department of Energy’s guide for landscaping ideas that actually make a difference.

🧰 Strategy 6: Annual Tune-Ups Are Worth Every Penny

Your 14.3 SEER2 Goodman AC can only run at peak efficiency if it’s clean, charged, and calibrated.

Every spring, I schedule an HVAC tune-up that includes:

• Checking refrigerant charge

• Cleaning coils

• Inspecting electrical connections

• Testing airflow

• Verifying thermostat accuracy

It costs about $100, but it saves me much more in avoided breakdowns and efficiency loss.

Need a checklist to hand to your tech? Angi has a great breakdown of what to expect during an HVAC tune-up.

💵 Real Numbers: My Before & After Energy Bills

Just to show you the impact of applying these strategies, here’s what happened at my house:

That’s an average savings of $65 per month, or $195 over the summer—which adds up to over $2,000 in under 10 years!

🌎 Bonus Strategy: Go Green for Rebates and Incentives

If you’re installing a new system like the GSXN402410, don’t forget to look into rebates, tax credits, and utility incentives in your area.

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, there are even federal incentives now for energy-efficient upgrades—including HVAC systems.

Check out:

• Energy Star’s rebate finder tool

• DSIRE’s searchable incentives database

• Your local utility company website

Many programs offer $300–$1,000+ in rebates just for switching to a higher-SEER2 unit like this one.

⚠️ Don’t Make These Common Efficiency Mistakes

Even with a great unit, I see homeowners make these efficiency-killing mistakes:

• Setting the thermostat to 65°F thinking it’ll cool faster (it won’t!)

• Closing vents in unused rooms (it increases pressure and makes your AC less efficient)

• Skipping filter changes

• Ignoring airflow issues from blocked returns or furniture

If you're guilty of any of these (I was too!), fixing them could mean instant improvement in performance and comfort.

🏁 Final Thoughts From Samantha: It’s All About the Habits

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—owning an energy-efficient AC isn’t enough. You’ve got to use it smart. The Goodman GSXN402410 with its 14.3 SEER2 rating gives you the tools to save, but how you use it makes all the difference.

By making a few changes—like sealing leaks, running fans, using a smart thermostat, and staying on top of maintenance—you can:

• Stay cooler 🌡️

• Save money 💰

• Extend your system’s life 🛠️

• Help the environment 🌎

It’s a win-win-win-win. 💚

So take that next step! Whether you're planning to upgrade or already own a system like the Goodman 2-Ton GSXN402410, the strategies in this guide can help you take full control of your summer bills.

📋 Efficiently Yours, Samantha “The HVAC Whisperer” Reyes 📋