Could You Be Saving Money on Your Energy Bill?

Summer is just around the corner, which means vacations, outdoor fun, and special things to keep those kids from getting bored! These things can quickly add up and can cause your bank account to dwindle. If you plan to stay home this summer, that means utility costs can creep up.

The best approach is to prevent those unwanted added costs. Check your budget and update as needed if you have room for additional spending during the summer.


Let's explore some tips to save money on your energy bill this summer.

1. Use electricity during off-peak hours. Plan to use your washer, dryer, and dishwasher before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to avoid peak times with higher rates.

2. Use the outside grill instead of the oven. When summer days are hot, using your oven will cause your air conditioner to run more to try and cool the home. So fire up the barbie and save some money on your electric bill while enjoying a delicious barbecue dish.

3. Install ceiling fans. Installing ceiling fans will help you feel cooler without using the air conditioner, which uses a lot more electricity, driving costs up. But remember, ceiling fans don’t help cool a room when no one is in it as they don’t cool the room. They create a breeze making the occupants of that room feel cooler.

4. Air-dry dishes and clothes. Every little bit adds up, so instead of using an appliance, go old school and let the wind dry your clothes and the air dry your dishes! If you don’t have space to put up a clothesline, there are plenty of drying rack options available that are very affordable.

5. Switch to heavy drapery or blackout curtains to stop the glaring sun from warming up your house. Choose rooms that you spend the most time in and have the most exposure to the sun.

6. Add awnings. If you’d like to choose an option that goes beyond just one summer, then looking into awnings to reduce energy costs could be a great investment. According to the Department of Energy, “Window awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows.” Awnings will greatly reduce your need for the air conditioner, which will save you some cash in the long run.

7. Buy appliances with the Energy Star symbol. If you are in the market for a new appliance, only consider options that are Energy-Star certified. Typically these appliances use 25% less energy and water compared to others.

8. Keep the lights off. An easy way to conserve energy and keep your electric bill from rising is to turn off all the lights during the day. Having lights off will also keep your home cooler.

9. Plant a tree. This is a great way to get some shade. Placement of the tree is key; however, depending on the way the sun falls at different times of the day on your home.

10. It may be time to have your air conditioner serviced. If you find yourself asking why your air conditioner is not cooling the house, your best bet is to call an expert. It may be time for a new thermostat that helps your AC perform better.

Saving money on your electric bill can be easy if you understand what options will work best for your home. Remember that this is a family effort. Explain to your children what your plans are and how they can be a part of it by turning off their devices and lights in their room when they are not using them.

Reducing energy in the summer months will lower your bill and help those who have a tight budget.

Have you found some ways to reduce energy costs? We would love to hear your ideas! Head over to our Money-Saving Tips blog to find other ways to keep cash from flying out of your wallet!