If your electricity bill already feels high, you’re not alone, and summer doesn’t make it any easier. As temperatures rise, so does our reliance on air conditioning, fans, and other cooling appliances. It’s frustrating, but it’s also something most of us expect: energy costs tend to climb right along with the heat.
The good news is there are practical, effective ways to keep your home cool without sending your electricity bill through the roof. Here are some simple tips to help you stay comfortable and save money this summer.
1. Adjust Your Thermostat Strategically
Your thermostat is one of the biggest drivers of your summer energy costs! Set it a few degrees higher when you’re home (even 1–2 degrees can make a difference), and raise it further when you’re away, or use a programmable or smart thermostat to automate changes.
2. Use Fans to Support Your AC
Ceiling and portable fans don’t lower the temperature, but they help you feel cooler by circulating air. Use fans in occupied rooms to reduce the need for lower AC settings and turn fans off when you leave the room (they cool people, not spaces). This small habit can help you rely less on your air conditioner.
3. Block Out Heat from the Sun
Sunlight streaming through windows will quickly make your home feel like a sauna. Closing blinds or curtains during the hottest times of the day can prevent this! Blackout curtains can also significantly cool down those rooms that get the most direct sunlight. Even buying reflective window coverings or shades will save you money on that electric bill each month.
Less sunlight entering your home = less work for your AC.
4. Avoid Heat-Generating Activities During Peak Hours
Many everyday activities generate heat indoors:
- Cooking on the stove or using the oven
- Running the dishwasher or dryer
To help keep your home cooler without increasing cooling costs, try to:
- Cook earlier in the morning or later in the evening
- Use a microwave, slow cooker, or grill instead
- Run appliances at night when temperatures are lower
5. Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation
Cool air escaping means your AC runs longer.
Check for leaks around windows, doors, vents, and ductwork. By patching them up by using simple fixes like weatherstripping or sealing small gaps, you can keep cool air inside where it belongs.
6. Maintain Your Cooling System
A well-functioning AC unit runs more efficiently and saves you money! When you replace and clean air filters regularly, keep vents clear of furniture or debris, and schedule maintenance if your system isn’t performing well, basic upkeep can improve performance and reduce energy use.
7. Consider Community Solar for Additional Savings
Even with the best habits, summer energy bills can still feel high. That’s where programs like community solar can help.
Community solar allows you to subscribe to a local solar farm and receive credits on your electricity bill for the energy it produces without installing panels on your home.
This means:
- No upfront costs or hidden fees (these savings are free!)
- No rooftop or maintenance required
- Support your local economy and renewable energy
Once subscribed to the solar farm, you will start seeing community solar credits on your monthly electricity bill.
For many households, it’s a simple way to add savings on top of the energy reductions you’re already making.
Getting started with community solar is usually quick and simple. While the exact steps may vary slightly depending on the provider, signing up with PureSky is quick and easy!
- Fill out our Check Availability Form.
- We will reach out to you for your utility bill information, so we can size your subscription to our solar farm.
- You will sign a non-binding contract, meaning you may cancel at any time without penalty.
- Sit back and start saving!
Have questions about community solar? Email us at customercare@pureskyenergy.com, or give us a call at +1(877)267-8727.
Summer energy costs can be frustrating, but they’re not entirely out of your control. By making a few smart adjustments, like optimizing your thermostat, reducing indoor heat, and improving efficiency, you can stay cool without overpaying.
And if you’re looking to see savings reflected directly on your utility bills each month, community solar offers an easy way to reduce your electricity costs while supporting clean energy.
