As Temps Rise, Here’s How to Save Money on Your Electric Bill Without Breaking a Sweat

As temperatures get hotter and hotter, many are inclined to cool their homes for a bit of relief. But rising temperatures don’t have to mean rising electricity bills. With a few considered changes in your home, you can keep your energy bills low while still keeping cool.

Adjust Your Thermostat

Set your thermostat between 75°F and 78°F when you’re at home for a good balance between comfort and efficiency, recommends the U.S. Department of Energy. The DOE also recommends increasing the temperature by 7°F when the home is empty, since there’s no sense in completely cooling a home when no one’s there.

Having a smart or programmable thermostat to do this automatically removes the effort of thinking about it, making it easier to save on energy.

Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks in your home will quickly drive up energy costs, as cool air finds its way out through the tiny cracks. Sealing gaps in windows, doors, and other openings can reduce cooling costs by an average of 15%. Consider bringing in an energy assessor to help find the leaks so you can caulk and seal them.

“Air leaks can be difficult to identify for those unfamiliar with building science,” says Melinda McKnight, Owner and Building Science Advisor of Energy Conservation Services, Inc. “The best, most lasting solutions are diagnosed using blower door pressure tests, combustion analysis, duct pressure leakage testing, and infrared imaging.”

Homeowners can start simply with weather stripping around doors and caulk around window trim. Sealing off unconditioned spaces, such as attics, crawlspaces, and basements, can offer further improvements.

“The proper treatment of those spaces will dramatically improve comfort and efficiency,” McKnight adds, “as well as reduce the maintenance schedule.”

Install Energy Efficient Equipment

Ceiling fans are a nice addition to help your air conditioner cool your home by circulating the air efficiently. A little-known tip is to ensure it circulates counterclockwise during the summer to generate a wind-chill effect, making the room feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. And lastly, fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave to keep costs down.

Consider ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, and renewable energy systems such as geothermal heat pumps, or wind or solar energy systems. By installing them you can save energy, lower your bills, and get you cash by selling excess energy produced to the grid.

For example, Solar hot water systems can meet 50% of the hot water needs for a family of four and generally cost between $5,000 and $7,000 to install, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Time Appliance Use

Electricity rates aren’t always constant, and there are peak and non-peak times throughout the day. Peak hours are generally in the early afternoon or early evening, when temperatures are higher and air conditioning may be working overtime.

“To take advantage of off-peak pricing, consider shifting the time of day when you do laundry, run the dishwasher, charge cars and other appliances to early morning or evening—after 7:00 p.m., weekends, and holidays,” McKnight advises.

To reduce electricity costs, use your AC in the earlier or later parts of the day, when rates are lower. During peak hours, you can use fans to distribute cool air.

The Bottom Line

Staying cool in the summer months doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few smart strategies, such as setting your thermostat wisely, sealing up air leaks, and using appliances at the right time of day, you can enjoy the summer months without breaking the bank or breaking a sweat.