How to Lower Your Electric Bill in Summer (15 Tips That Actually Work)
Summer electric bills can double or triple. Here are 15 proven tips ranked by how much money they actually save.
Still stuck after this guide? You can ask an electrician online — see pricing, expert credentials and common questions first.
Big Savings: Thermostat Management
Your AC accounts for 50 to 70 percent of your summer electric bill. Every degree you raise the thermostat saves about 3 percent on cooling costs. Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when home and 85 degrees when away. A programmable or smart thermostat handles this automatically and saves the average household 10 to 15 percent on cooling costs, which is 100 to 200 dollars per summer. If 78 feels too warm, use ceiling fans which make a room feel 4 degrees cooler without the electricity cost of AC.
Medium Savings: AC Maintenance
A poorly maintained AC uses 15 to 25 percent more electricity than a well-maintained one. Replace the air filter every 1 to 3 months during heavy use. Clean the outdoor condenser unit by hosing off dirt and debris from the fins. Make sure all supply vents inside the house are open and unblocked by furniture. Have the refrigerant level and coils professionally checked once per year. These maintenance steps cost little to nothing but can save 50 to 150 dollars per summer.
Medium Savings: Block the Heat from Coming In
About 30 percent of unwanted heat enters through windows. Close blinds and curtains on south and west facing windows during afternoon sun. Blackout curtains can reduce heat gain by up to 45 percent. Apply window film or reflective tinting for a more permanent solution. Seal gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping — you can feel drafts by holding a lit incense stick near window edges. Caulking and weatherstripping a typical home costs 30 to 50 dollars in materials and can save 5 to 10 percent on cooling costs.
Small Savings That Add Up
Switch to LED bulbs if you have not already — they produce 75 percent less heat than incandescent bulbs and last 10 times longer. Run heat-producing appliances like ovens, dryers, and dishwashers in the evening when it is cooler. Use a microwave or instant pot instead of the oven for cooking. Unplug devices you are not using — electronics on standby draw phantom power that accounts for 5 to 10 percent of household electricity. Wash clothes in cold water — 90 percent of a washing machine energy use goes to heating water.
Pro Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to leave AC on all day or turn it on and off?
It is cheaper to raise the temperature when you leave and lower it when you return than to leave it running all day at a low temperature. A programmable thermostat automates this. The myth that AC uses more energy to cool down a warm house is false — the energy saved during the hours the AC is off far exceeds the extra energy needed to cool back down.
