80% of Homeowners Say Economic Uncertainty Is Changing Their Summer Plans, DuraPlas Survey Finds

New report reveals financial stress is influencing how Americans cool their homes, adjust budgets, and manage comfort this summer

ADDISON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DuraPlas, a leading provider of innovative plastic solutions in the agriculture industry, today released findings from its 2025 Summer Home Cooling Report, which explores how economic pressure is changing the way Americans prepare for and experience summer at home.

The survey of 1,000 U.S. homeowners, conducted on February 11, 2025, via the third-party survey platform Pollfish, found that financial anxiety is reshaping how people manage cooling costs and make day-to-day decisions. The data highlights a shift toward more cautious spending, increased energy stress and a new mindset where comfort is no longer taken for granted.

Key findings from the survey include:

• 80% of homeowners say they’re more cautious about summer spending due to the economy.
• 54% are worried about how they’ll afford to cool their homes.
• 61% say financial concerns are already affecting their mood heading into summer.
• 72°F is now the most reported thermostat setting, displacing colder temperatures like 65° and 68° from previous years.
• 36% say if cooling costs spike, they’ll simply use air conditioning less often.
• Homeowners expecting higher cooling bills say summer plans like dining out or entertainment (62%), travel or vacations (58%), and saving contributions (50%) are most likely to take a hit.

“These results show that cooling the home is no longer a background concern—it’s a central part of how people are thinking about their finances this summer,” said Paul Phillips, president of DuraPlas. “When homeowners are adjusting travel plans, cutting back on essentials, and changing how they cool their homes, it reflects more than just rising energy bills. It speaks to a deeper need for stability and predictability in everyday life. The takeaway is clear: people want to feel in control, and they’re actively looking for ways to protect that control.”

The report also finds that only 21% of respondents feel fully prepared to manage summer energy costs. Others describe themselves as uneasy, anxious or overwhelmed. While some are making small behavioral changes—like relying more on fans, keeping blinds closed or raising the thermostat—others anticipate deeper cutbacks if bills rise, including reducing spending on travel, dining, and even household necessities.

Thermostat trends also reflect changing expectations. Cooler temperature preferences from previous years are giving way to warmer settings, with 72°F, 75°F, and 78°F climbing in popularity. This suggests that homeowners are consciously adjusting their comfort levels to reduce costs, and that this summer, every degree and every dollar is being carefully weighed.

“People are trying to stay ahead of surprise costs,” Phillips added. “That mindset shift is shaping how they approach everything from comfort to long-term planning.”

For complete survey results and additional insights, visit the 2025 DuraPlas Summer Home Cooling Report.

About DuraPlas

For more than 50 years, DuraPlas has upheld a rich legacy of pioneering innovative plastic solutions for industries worldwide. With a well-established reputation for excellence and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, the company takes pride in its ability to deliver products that not only meet the highest quality standards but also uphold responsible business practices. Utilizing state-of-the-art injection molding equipment, DuraPlas meticulously manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of industry-specific products – from the newly launched condenser mounting pad for the HVAC industry to egg transport systems in agriculture. The company's expansive 200,000-square-foot headquarters in Addison, Texas, also includes specialized divisions for custom metal fabrication and custom plastic fabrication, enabling DuraPlas to meet the diverse needs of its global clientele, including some of the largest brands in the world. To learn more, please visit https://duraplasinc.com/.