Consumer Survey: 77% Spend More Time Than Planned Indoors in the Summer

Methodology 

We wanted to know how Americans approach summer — whether they spend time outdoors or shelter inside to beat the heat, as well as the lengths they’ll go to stay in air conditioning. To do this, we surveyed 1,037 Americans on air conditioning, beating the heat, and even their favorite retailer with air conditioning. Ages ranged from 18-75 with an average age of 39; 49% were men, 49% women, and 2% either nonbinary or did not disclose.

Temperatures are rising too much for Americans’ comfort

More than 4 in 5 Americans believe 2025 will be hotter than last year. For many, that heat is draining the joy out of summer. A striking 73% now say summer is simply too hot, and 23% report that climate change has diminished their enjoyment of the season. 

Heat is reshaping how Americans spend their time. Over one-third admit they enjoy summer more in theory than in practice. Nearly half feel pressured to embrace summer traditions even when they'd rather stay indoors. A full 77% say they spend more time than planned indoors due to the extreme temperatures. 

What stores have the coldest AC in the summer?

Air conditioning has shifted from comfort to necessity. More than half (57%) visit retail stores specifically to enjoy their air conditioning. 

Retailers with the Coldest AC, by popular vote:

1. Walmart
2. Target
3. Costco

Shopping isn’t the only vehicle for AC: another 52% have taken car rides just to sit in AC, and one in three go to the movies during summer months solely for the cool air.

America runs on AC: only 3% have no air conditioning

Cooling technology is central to daily life in much of the country. Sixty percent of Americans rely on central air conditioning, while 37% use window or freestanding units. On average, AC runs for six hours a day during the summer. Nearly 3 in 10 households are planning to upgrade their HVAC systems this year.

State-level data shows wide variation in cooling preferences. Central air dominates in hot-weather states like Arizona and Kansas, while window units remain more common in places like Maine and New York. Some states, including Vermont and South Dakota, report exclusive reliance on central systems.

States with the Most Central Air Conditioning:

1. Nebraska
2. South Dakota
3. Wyoming
4. Arizona
5. Minnesota

States with the Most Window Units:

1. Rhode Island
2. Maine
3. New Hampshire
4. New York
5. Oregon

States with the Least AC:

1. Montana
2. Iowa
3. Michigan
4. Idaho
5. West Virginia

Cool at a cost: 37% worried about affording AC 

Financial strain is now intertwined with staying cool. Over a third of Americans are reducing their AC usage this year to save money. Nearly 60% plan to spend time in public, air-conditioned spaces to compensate. At the same time, 37% are worried about affording AC at all this summer. Those that are looking to run their units less can turn to other methods of cooling, like sealing windows or keeping the curtains drawn to keep heat out. 

In response, 18% are moving to cooler climates in 2025 to escape the heat. Among those who have recently relocated, 37% factored climate change into their decision.

American attitudes towards summer heat

While 61% of Americans say they enjoy being outside in summer, enthusiasm varies sharply by region. Residents of Vermont, Michigan, and New Hampshire are the most eager to embrace the outdoors, while those in Wyoming, Arizona, and Maine are least enthusiastic.

When it comes to beating the heat, the top spots are close to home. Sixty percent of Americans prefer to stay indoors. Pools and beaches follow, while 22% head to the grocery store and 20% escape to movie theaters.

Staying cool is more important than ever

Summer in America is undergoing a fundamental shift. With rising temperatures, economic pressures, and evolving attitudes, staying cool has become both a daily strategy and a defining theme of modern life. At home, HVAC systems are the lifeblood of household comfort, which is why we include them in our coverage plans. Be sure to change your filters regularly, and get a tuneup at the start of the season to maximize your cost savings.