7 Ways to Lower Your Energy Bills This Summer

Set Your Thermostat Strategically

The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and raising it when you’re away. Every degree below 78°F can increase your energy costs by 3–5%.

A programmable or smart thermostat makes this effortless. Set it to cool down before you arrive home so you never walk into a hot house, and let it ease up while you’re at work or sleeping.

Seal Air Leaks Around Your Home

Gaps around windows, doors, and ductwork allow cooled air to escape and hot air to infiltrate. Common trouble spots include:

• Weather stripping around doors
• Caulking around windows
• Duct connections in attics and crawl spaces
• Electrical outlets on exterior walls

Sealing these leaks can reduce your cooling costs by 10–20% and make your home noticeably more comfortable.

Use Ceiling Fans to Supplement Your AC

Ceiling fans don’t actually cool the air — they create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel 4–6 degrees cooler. This allows you to raise your thermostat setting while maintaining the same comfort level.

Remember: fans cool people, not rooms. Turn them off when you leave to save electricity.

Keep Your AC System Maintained

A well-maintained AC system runs up to 25% more efficiently than a neglected one. At minimum, change your air filter every 1–3 months and schedule professional maintenance once a year.

During a maintenance visit, your technician will clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and ensure all components are operating at peak efficiency.

Block Solar Heat Gain

The sun beating through your windows can significantly increase your cooling load. Simple strategies to reduce solar heat gain include:

• Close blinds and curtains on sun-facing windows during peak hours
• Install reflective window film
• Use light-colored curtains that reflect rather than absorb heat
• Consider planting shade trees on the south and west sides of your home

Use Your Kitchen and Bathroom Wisely

Cooking and hot showers add heat and humidity to your home, forcing your AC to work harder. During summer:

• Grill outdoors instead of using your oven
• Run the dishwasher and laundry during cooler evening hours
• Use exhaust fans when cooking and showering to remove heat and moisture
• Consider meal prep that doesn’t require the oven

Consider a System Upgrade

If your AC system is more than 10–15 years old, upgrading to a modern high-efficiency unit can cut your cooling costs by 30–50%. Today’s systems use advanced compressor technology and eco-friendly refrigerants that deliver superior performance.

Request a quote on a new system installation — we can also help you find financing options that make an upgrade affordable. In many cases, the monthly energy savings offset the cost of the new system.