Energy bills can go through the roof in the summer. But rising temperatures don’t mean your costs need to climb, too. In fact, there are ways to quickly cut down on energy spending by at least 25 percent without braving the sweltering heat, says Gary Wollenhaupt, founder of ProudGreenHome.com, a site for making homes more energy-efficient.
Here are seven ways you can lower your electric bill in the summer:
1. Avoid humidity by eliminating excess moisture.
High humidity can make it feel a few degrees warmer inside. Get rid of excess moisture in the air by using range hoods when cooking. Take shorter, colder showers with the bathroom fan running—and keep the fan on for another 20 minutes afterward, says Wollenhaupt. (You can also use a dehumidifier; read more in “Why To Use A Dehumidifier This Summer.”)
2. Switch to a smart thermostat.
Next-gen “smart” thermostats automatically adjust to weather and learn your living patterns. Plus, they automatically go into “away” mode when sensors don’t pick up movement during the day. Or you can switch them off remotely via an app to conserve energy and lower your electric bill when out of town. (Read about more smart gadgets you can use to improve your home.)
3. Use a fan in conjuction with A/C.
“A fan is great to use in conjunction with A/C to help circulate the air more efficiently,” says Seth Leitman, an environmental consultant and founder of The Green Living Guy. In fact, because a fan can evaporate perspiration from the skin, it can sometimes feel just as effective as AC. Install a ceiling fan to draw out hot air.
4. Block sunlight with blinds and curtains.
Keeping shades and curtains drawn during the hottest times of the day (between noon and 4 p.m.) can help keep the room cool, says Leitman. Choose honeycomb shades, which are designed to trap hot air, or consider drapes with an interlining that are specifically labeled for energy efficiency. (It also helps protect your furniture and belongings against sun damage.)
5. Plant tall shrubs or trees in areas with the most sunlight.
Planting trees or high shrubs outside the sunniest spots in the home is a natural way to reduce heat indoors, says Wollenhaupt. Choose trees that are native to the area to reduce maintenance. To avoid the interference of roots with the building’s foundation, don’t plant them too close to the house. (Learn how to plant storm-safe trees.)
6. Consider tinting windows and screen doors.
Tinting uncovered windows or screen doors that are facing the sun can keep heat out during the summer months, says Wollenhaupt. Applying a thin reflective film on clean glass keeps out the majority of the heat without sacrificing the view, he adds.
7. Set the thermostat a little higher.
Most homeowners won’t notice the difference if they leave the thermostat a few degrees warmer than their norm. “Set your thermostat at as high a temperature as comfortably possible,” says Wollenhaupt, who adds that keeping the air as high as 78 degrees can be a good bet in the summer months.
Lowering your electric bill in the summer doesn’t need to be complicated. Turn to GEICO for help with homeowners insurance and feel secure about all parts of your home. Spend less to get more.
By Alina Dizik
Jerry M. Smith says,
Very helpful information, we do use a lot of the hits in this information, and learned a few more.
Eva says,
78 degrees is an unnecessarily low thermostat setting in our low humidity environment. We are comfortable with it set to 82-83 degrees and wearing light clothing like a tent dress. Consider your clothing also in keeping the bills down 🙂
Glenda Thomas says,
Very helpful information! Thanks
Bev Bottorff-Patton says,
Been with Geico almost 50 years. Always there for our family. Awesome people, excellent customer service. Would not ever consider changing. Employees always courteous and knowledgeable.
Editor says,
So happy to hear, Bev! Thanks for the love.
Ruby Guerra says,
Your article is excellent and it does work! I’ve implemented most of the tips you mention in the article already. Now, I’ll try to get some “tinting” on my windows, facing the too sunny side of my house!!
Thank you for the tips!
I have GEICO as my auto coverage for many years and have NEVER had anything but great, service. Now I’m working on getting our home insurance with GEICO as well..!
Prashant B Desai says,
Great. I am with Geico since 2012.
Robert says,
Thank you. Great suggestions.
Mary Merrick says,
Thanks for all of those pointer, on who and what to do to improve A/C and other things in the House.
Veronica Bradley says,
Thanks, I’d been working on getting energy cost down
Mary Clark says,
Great tips
Rohit Srivastava says,
A Big Fan of GEICO Gecko
Karen Lee says,
The advise is a good reminder of what helps.
Wilburn Baker says,
Great tips very helpful
JORGE LEON says,
Very good, I like all the tips are very helpful.. Thank you
John Clark says,
Thanks helpful
Patricia Condon says,
Very good ideas!