Get Ready for Summer with These Energy-Saving Tips

Does your energy bill seem higher in summer compared to other times of the year? You’re not alone. Most energy consumers experience an uptick in their electricity costs in the summer as they battle the heat.

As the hot weather rolls in, most homes and businesses use their air conditioning units more frequently to stay cool. Approximately 90% of all U.S. households use air conditioning, which accounts for around 19% of your energy bill. If you run your AC around the clock in summer, you’ll likely end up with a higher bill.

The good news is that you can take measures to get your energy costs under control. While you may not be able to avoid using your AC this summer, you can find creative ways to improve your home’s efficiency and chip away at your energy costs.

How your location impacts your energy bill

Due to extreme temperatures, certain U.S. regions, such as the West South Central (including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Alabama) and South Atlantic (including Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and Virginia), have exceptionally high electricity rates during the summer.

The latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) data shows how much residents could expect to pay for energy in summer, according to region. Take a look at the following chart to estimate how much you might pay this upcoming summer.

Caption: 2024 average energy expenditure according to region from the EIA

To help you prepare for the hot weather ahead, our experts compiled a list of summer home maintenance tips to help you save energy and money. If you’re concerned about your electricity bill increasing this summer, implement these tactics to get ahead of the summer heat.

1. Clean your HVAC unit

Your HVAC gets a lot of use in the summer months. A poorly maintained unit works less efficiently, costing you more money. Schedule routine maintenance to ensure it’s clean and ready for summer. Routine HVAC maintenance could cost between $60 and $200, depending on the complexity of the inspection. For a cheaper DIY option, you can replace the filters on your HVAC unit before summer to clear out any debris.

2. Schedule your thermostat

There’s no better way to reduce your home’s summer energy costs than by monitoring your AC usage. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees higher can save up to 10% annually. If you have a manual thermostat, try to set it to at least 78 degrees Fahrenheit, or even higher when you’re out of the house. Setting a daily schedule can also help you save on your energy costs and take a load off your mind.

If you want to automate this task, consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices automatically adjust your home’s temperature for efficiency, so you don’t have to worry about adjusting it throughout the day. Some smart thermostats can be operated from your smartphone, allowing you to monitor your home’s temperature while you’re away.

3. Seal drafty windows or doors

AC is non-negotiable for many residents in the summer when temperatures get too high, so it’s crucial to get the most out of your cold air. Drafty windows and doors let cool air escape and warm air in, which makes your HVAC system work harder to keep you comfortable, and drives up your energy bill. Seal up any cracks with weatherstrips or caulk where needed to avoid wasting cold air. You can handle both of these tasks on your own with materials from your local hardware store.

4. Put your ceiling fans to use

While fans don’t create cool air themselves, the movement of air has a cooling effect. Turn your ceiling fans counterclockwise to push cold air down and promote airflow. Increasing your AC temperature in tandem with using ceiling fans can help keep your cooling costs low without sacrificing comfort.

5. Use cold water

Did you know water heating accounts for around 12% of your energy bill? There are a few ways you can reduce this number. Start by decreasing the temperature on your water heater. Next, wash clothes and dishes in cold water. With high temperatures in the summer, these changes won’t be too noticeable, and they’re a free way to tackle your energy costs.

6. Run large appliances at night

Large appliances, like your oven, dryer, and dishwasher, generate heat when in use. While it may seem insignificant, running all these appliances during the day adds to your home’s temperature and increases your HVAC’s workload. Try to limit these appliances to the evenings when temperatures drop. Consider cooking meals that don’t require your oven, or use your toaster oven or outdoor grill to cook dinner.

If you feel ready to make larger changes to improve your home, consider switching to ENERGY STAR appliances. ENERGY-STAR sells appliances that save energy and money, and is backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For example, an ENERGY STAR-certified air conditioner saves 23% more energy than other models and costs $70 a year to run. While switching appliances is a large upfront investment, it could offer significant long-term savings by reducing your energy bills.