Summer is a time for sunshine, BBQs, and longer days—but it can also bring higher bills thanks to cranked-up A/C, extra water use, and more time spent at home. The good news? Saving on your summer bills doesn’t have to mean sweating it out or sitting in the dark.
Here are some simple, actually-doable ways to keep your costs down while still enjoying the season:
1. Work With (Not Against) the Sun
It’s bright, it’s beautiful, and it’s heating up your house. Use curtains or blackout shades during the hottest parts of the day (usually mid-afternoon) to keep indoor temps down naturally. Then, in the evening, open windows to let cooler air in if it’s safe to do so.
2. Run Appliances During Off-Peak Hours
Electric companies often charge more for usage during peak hours (typically 2–7 PM). Try running your dishwasher, laundry machines, or vacuum in the morning or after dinner. Some smart appliances even let you schedule cycles to run overnight.
3. Use Ceiling Fans (The Right Way)
Fans don’t cool the room—they cool you. Make sure your ceiling fan is spinning counterclockwise in the summer; this pushes air down and creates a breeze. And remember to turn them off when you leave the room.
4. Give Your A/C Some TLC
A well-maintained air conditioner works more efficiently—which means it uses less energy. Clean or replace filters every 1–2 months, and if your system has an outdoor unit, clear away any leaves or debris.
Set your thermostat to 76–78°F (24.5–25.5°C) when you’re home and a little higher when you’re away. Every degree up saves you money!
5. Grill More, Bake Less
Summer is the perfect excuse to take your cooking outside. Using the oven heats up your kitchen and makes your A/C work harder. So fire up the grill, toss together fresh salads, or try no-cook meals a few nights a week.
6. Check for Sneaky Energy Vampires
Even when they’re “off,” electronics like TVs, chargers, and gaming consoles still use power. Consider plugging them into power strips and switching them off when not in use—or go for smart plugs you can control from your phone.
7. Water Wisely
Whether you’re caring for your lawn or just trying to stay hydrated, summer often means more water use. A few quick tips:
- Water your plants early in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
- Use a rain barrel if you can.
- Check toilets and faucets for small leaks—they can quietly waste gallons a day.
8. Consider a Smart Thermostat
If you’re up for a small investment, a smart thermostat can learn your schedule and adjust temps automatically to save energy when you’re not home. Many utility companies even offer rebates to help cover the cost.
You don’t need to make big sacrifices to save money this summer—just a few thoughtful tweaks can really add up. Try one or two of these tips to start, and you’ll likely notice a difference in your next bill (and your comfort level).
Small changes. Big impact. Happy saving—and happy summer!