Thumbtack reveals ranking of the 10 sweatiest cities in the U.S.

The top 10 sweatiest cities in America.

Austin topped the list of sweatiest cities in America, with temperatures in Texas reaching triple digits in May, one of the hottest Mays ever recorded. With Dallas-Ft. Worth and Houston also topping the list, Texans have been diligent about trying to stay cool this summer. Temperatures have surged in the south — with both Atlanta and D.C. experiencing hotter than average temperatures. 

Wondering how much it will cost to keep your house cool this summer? Here’s a peek at the national average cost of home-cooling projects being tackled right now, based on reports from our pros: 

• Central AC Installation or Replacement - $1,883-$7,621 (cost depends on size of home and complexity of system)
• Central AC Repair or Maintenance - $221-$1,040
• Fan Installation - $190-$447
• Thermostat Installation or Repair - $104-$284
• Window, Wall, or Portable AC Repair or Maintenance - $141-$260

How to stay cool this summer. 

There’s nothing worse than finding yourself in the middle of a heat wave with a broken AC unit, which is why it’s so important to have your AC serviced annually to identify and fix any potential issues. Not only will this ensure consistent air quality and reduce the chances of a breakdown, it’ll likely save you some money on your monthly energy bill too. 

While not as top of mind as air conditioning, insulation is also critical when it comes to keeping your home cool. Ensure your home is well-insulated from top to bottom with materials like fiberglass, cellulose, or spray foam. Replacing single-pane windows with double or triple-pane windows that have low-emissivity (low-E) coatings will also make a big difference in reducing the temperature inside your home.

Top myths about cooling down your home.

There are a lot of myths out there when it comes to beating the heat. Don’t waste your time or money on these common misconceptions this summer! 

Lowering the thermostat cools your house faster.

• Myth: Setting the thermostat to a much lower temperature will cool your home faster.
• Reality: Air conditioners cool at a constant rate. Setting the thermostat lower only makes the unit run longer, not faster.

Ceiling fans cool rooms.

• Myth: Ceiling fans are an effective way to cool down your room.
• Reality: Fans don't lower room temperature, they only create a wind-chill effect. Turn them off when you leave the room to save energy.

Closing vents saves energy.

• Myth: Closing vents in unused rooms will save energy.
• Reality: This can unbalance your system and reduce efficiency. It’s better to have a zoning system if you want to control temperatures in different areas.

Bigger AC units are better.

• Myth: A larger AC unit will cool your home more effectively.
• Reality: Oversized units cycle on and off too quickly, reducing efficiency, and not properly dehumidifying your home. Proper sizing is crucial.

Turning off the AC when not home saves money.

• Myth: Turning off the AC when you're not home saves energy.
• Reality: It can take more energy to cool a hot house later. Instead, set the thermostat to a higher temperature or use a programmable thermostat.

Only older homes need insulation.

• Myth: You don’t need to worry about insulation if you have a newer home.
• Reality: Proper insulation is crucial for all homes, regardless of age, to maintain energy efficiency and comfort.

You don’t need to replace the filter often.

• Myth: AC filters only need to be changed once a year.
• Reality: Filters should be checked and replaced every 1-3 months, depending on usage and type.

Top DIY tips to stay cool this summer.

• Use fans wisely: Position fans to create a cross-breeze by placing one fan near an open window blowing inward and another fan on the opposite side blowing outward.
• Block the sun: Close blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day to prevent the sun from heating up your home. Consider installing awnings, pergolas, or exterior shade covers where sun is more persistent.
• Optimize airflow: Keep interior doors open to allow air to circulate freely. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove warm, humid air.
• Use cooling bedding: Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for sheets and sleepwear.
• Limit appliance use: Reduce the use of heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, and dryers during the hottest parts of the day.
• Insulate and seal: Ensure your home is properly insulated and seal any gaps or cracks to keep hot air out and cool air in.
• Window fan: Place a fan facing outward in one window to expel hot air, and another fan facing inward in a window on the opposite side of the room to bring in cooler air. This could be a great trick for people who don’t have AC.

Related: 13 ways to stay cool without cranking up your AC.

To navigate the cost and complexity of owning a home, download the Thumbtack app to receive step by step guidance on what projects to do, when to do them and who to hire season by season. From booking a pro to DIY options, we’re here to help you stay cool and avoid emergency repairs this summer. Download the Thumbtack app today!

Methodology: We examined which of the top 40 metropolitan areas (according to the Nielsen DMA rankings) have the most requests for projects including central air conditioning repair or maintenance, central air conditioning installation or replacement, window, wall or portable AC repair or maintenance, fan installation and thermostat installation or repair for May - June 2024. We adjusted for population size by ranking cities based on the number of project requests per capita. The pricing ranges for these projects are based on national pricing estimates from projects on Thumbtack in 2024. 

Related:

• 10 energy-saving tips for summer.
• 5 signs your AC is on the fritz.
• 4 common AC problems (and how to troubleshoot them).