In Central Florida, drivers are dealing with a costly combination. As gas creeps close to $4 a gallon, summer temperatures are causing drivers to crank up their air conditioning, making each tank run out faster, according to News 6 WKMG.
For households that depend on cars every day, that pairing is turning a normal seasonal headache into a bigger financial burden.
Here's what to know
In extreme heat, heavy air-conditioning use can reduce fuel economy by as much as 25%, News 6 reported. With gasoline prices so high, the summertime heat is proving expensive.
Families already on tight budgets have been feeling the pinch.
"I spend about $300 a month just on gas," Estel Lopez told News 6. "... My mom has a smaller car, so she's doing most of the pickups for me because it's less gas. I used to go to work in the morning and on my break go back home. Now, I don't do that because I can't. It's a lot of money."
Another summer-related expense has been impacting prices, as well. News 6 reported that gas stations were selling a more expensive summer blend, which "burns cleaner but costs more to produce." The blend, used to reduce air pollution during the hot summer months, will remain in circulation until mid-September.
The price of gasoline is not the only energy-related cost that has been rising. Electricity prices across the United States have been surging, too, with massive data centers increasing demand.
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More background
High prices at the pump, combined with heat that makes AC feel essential, can make ordinary commutes and errands significantly more expensive.
For many drivers, turning off the AC is simply not realistic.
"No way," Lopez told News 6. "I can't not have the AC."
What can be done?
The U.S. Department of Energy offered tips for conserving fuel in hot weather. For example, you can cool your car at low speeds by opening the windows before using the AC on highways. When parked, keep the vehicle in a shaded area or use a sunshade.
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Drivers can also get the most out of every gallon by regularly maintaining their vehicles.
"I don't think it affects the vehicle as much as the maintenance does," Elvis Diaz, another Central Florida driver, told News 6 of the impact AC has on fuel efficiency. "Like inflating the tires and using the proper fuels and so forth."
Even EV drivers are impacted by scorching summer temperatures, with AC usage draining batteries faster. To preserve range, the DOE recommended that EV drivers cool their cabins while their vehicles are charging.
For people looking to reduce energy costs at home, EnergySage offers free services that can make the solar shopping process easier. With EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on a solar purchase and installation.
Further, helpful tools such as EnergySage's solar map show the average cost of a home solar system as well as details on solar panel incentives by state. Together, these resources can help readers get the best price for rooftop solar panels and access available incentives.
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. It can also give households more control over when and how they use stored electricity. Readers can explore EnergySage's free tools for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
As for gasoline prices, drivers can do little but hope the trend changes soon.
"They're a little too high," Diaz said. "Very high."
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