Summer Home Tips to Keep Utility Costs Down

Summer equals outdoor fun, but it can also equal higher utility bills as temperatures rise and air conditioners have to work overtime. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do that can reduce energy usage during the summer and stretch your budget a little further. 

1. Make the Most of Natural Airflow

Before turning down your thermostat to cool off, try taking advantage of nature's cooling system. For example, you can open your windows during the cooler morning and evening hours to create cross-ventilation throughout your home.

If possible, open windows on opposite sides of the house to encourage air movement. Ceiling fans and portable fans can also help circulate air and make rooms feel cooler. A fan uses significantly less energy than an air conditioner, making it a cost-effective way to improve comfort on milder days.

Quick Tip: Make sure ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise during the summer. This pushes cool air downward and creates a refreshing breeze. 

2. Keep the Hot Air Out

Sunlight streaming through windows can quickly heat up a home, forcing your cooling systems to work harder than they need to. Try to keep the blinds, curtains, and shades closed during the hottest parts of the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows. Blackout curtains can be really effective in rooms that receive direct afternoon sun!

If you are able to seal any gaps around your doors and windows, this can also help prevent hot air from entering and cool air from escaping. Weatherstripping and caulk are inexpensive improvements that can make a difference.

Additionally, your electronics and lighting can produce more heat than you might realize. Turn off lights, televisions, computers, and other electronics when you’re not using them, and consider switching to LED light bulbs, which use less energy and emit less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs.

3. Use Appliances Strategically

Many common household appliances generate heat, which can increase the indoor temperature. If possible, run your dishwashers, dryers, and ovens during the early morning or later evening when temperatures are lower. Better yet, you can try:

• Air-drying laundry outdoors or on indoor drying racks. 

• Using a microwave, slow cooker, or outdoor grill instead of the oven. 

• Running full loads in dishwashers and washing machines to maximize efficiency. 

4. Adjust Your Thermostat Wisely

If you have air conditioning, a few minor thermostat adjustments can generate some meaningful savings. A programmable thermostat can allow you to keep your home a few degrees warmer during the day while you’re away. Then, you can set it to cool off for an hour or so before you get back home in the afternoon. Every degree matters! Finding a comfortable balance can help keep your monthly bills more manageable.

5. Change Air Filters Regularly

One of the simplest home maintenance tasks is also one of the most important: changing your air filters. Dirty air filters force HVAC systems to work harder, reducing their efficiency and potentially increasing your energy costs. Check your air filters regularly and replace them according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

6. Make Outdoor Spaces Work for You

Strategic landscaping can help cool your home naturally. For example, trees, shrubs, and other vegetation can provide shade that can reduce heat gain around the home. Even temporary solutions, like outdoor umbrellas or shade sails, can help block direct sunlight from your windows. 

7. Check for Water Leaks

Summer utility bills don't just include electricity. Most homeowners use more water in the warmer months, too. Take a moment to inspect your faucets, outdoor spigots, hoses, and irrigation systems for leaks. Fixing small drips can help control your monthly expenses.

Using water-efficient practices (like watering your garden early in the morning and using mulch to retain moisture) can also reduce water usage during dry summer periods.
 
Keeping your home comfortable during the summer doesn't have to mean paying more for utilities. At Habitat for Humanity, we know that affordable housing is about more than just having a roof over your head. It's also about creating homes that are healthy, efficient, and sustainable for the families who live in them.