The heat is driving up my AC bills so badly that I want to move. How do I deal with the cost of this heat wave?

Dear Grace,

My husband and I have owned our almost 100-year-old home since the 1990s, and it’s become harder and harder to keep up. Since we moved to our town, we’ve relied on radiators in the snowy winters and used fans during the warm summers. Now, the swampy heat in the summer is unbearable, and we rarely get big snows anymore. We have a couple window AC units that make our electric bills sky high, but we can’t afford to install central air in this old house. And the humidity is damaging all of the wood. This summer has been just awful.

As much as I love the house, at this point I’m ready to sell it and move, but my husband said the housing market is bad and that we would lose money. What should we do? I feel like we’re trapped.

– Regretting Everything in Essex County, New Jersey

Dear Regretting,

Let me say this loud and clear, you’re not the only one dripping sweat as you scroll through home listings this summer. There have been heat waves across the country, forcing us all to dial up our fans, window units, and thermostats and wonder how we’re going to pay the bill at the end of the month. Owning a home is a huge accomplishment—especially one you’ve kept up since the ’90s. You deserve to enjoy it! Not feel stuck, overheated, and overwhelmed.

You’re not alone in considering a move because of the climate.

Only you and your husband can decide if it’s time to move—but I want you to know: it’s completely understandable to feel like this isn’t working anymore. So many people are in the same boat. The weather is not what it used to be—and it’s not your imagination. Across the country, people are dealing with hotter summers, stronger storms, and totally different seasons than when they first bought their homes. Climate change is impacting energy bills, whether we can get insurance, and is responsible for the increase in natural disasters and extreme weather we’re all experiencing.

Whether or not you move, let’s take a second look at your budget.

The cost of living has gone way up, and wages haven’t kept pace. Renters, homeowners, folks looking to sell their homes, and folks hoping to buy their first home are all feeling the pressure. Take a second look at your finances and make a new plan. That might mean cutting costs, selling your house, or even renting for a while if it gives you some breathing room. There’s no shame in adjusting. That’s not giving up—that’s being smart and protecting your future. If you’re curious about how much you could actually get for your home, even in this market, it might be worth talking to a realtor or housing counselor just to understand your options.

• Pro Tip: Do a financial tune-up on your budget (keeping in mind higher AC bills) here with RocketMoney.

Cool down with these cheap-to-free tricks.

None of us can think best when we’re stressed and sweating. So while you’re weighing your options and deciding which next step is best for you and your family, here are some tips for cooling things down now:

• Use your fans strategically: Put a box fan in an open window blowing OUT to pull hot air out of the house, set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise.
• Don’t let heat come in through your windows: Close your window shades or install an awning or plant shade trees by your windows to shield your home from hot rays.
• Use your appliances less: If you have a washer, only run it at night. Skip the dryer and hang your clothes to dry. Skip the stove and oven and use a grill or barbecue outdoors.

Look into programs meant to support homeowners with climate change problems.

Managing these changes isn’t just your problem to solve. That’s why the government created programs like the Inflation Reduction Act (a new law passed in 2022) to help regular people keep up as the climate changes. Homeowners can now get financial help for energy-efficient upgrades—like insulation, electric heat pumps, or updated air conditioning. Some programs offer rebates or tax credits to help cover the cost. Since you’re in New Jersey, check out the program Comfort Partners, which can help you improve your home’s energy efficiency and lower your utility bills. You may also qualify for rebates or tax credits to upgrade your heating and cooling systems. Start by visiting NJCleanEnergy.com or calling 866-657-6278. You can also browse resources for low-cost home upgrades that will save you money on bills in the long run on this WorkMoney page.

I know this feels like a mess, Regretting. It’s normal to feel frustrated, upset, and even regretful. The spot you’re in now isn’t a failure as a homeowner, it’s a challenge that millions of people face as we try to adjust to our changing climate. But I know you’re no stranger to change—you built a life and a home, and you’ve taken care of it for decades! Whether you decide to stay or go, you have every reason to believe that you can handle whatever comes next.

With love and encouragement,

Grace