5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Lower Your Electric Bill This Summer

We all know that higher electric bills are coming this summer, but you don't have to wait until you get that shocking first bill to take action. Making proactive choices now will help lower your electric bill this summer and give you peace of mind about what's ahead.

Here are five things you can do now to keep your electric bill low this summer.

Replace or Clean Your AC Filter

Simply swapping out a dirty air filter for a clean one can reduce your energy consumption by 5% to 15%. Think about it: a dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing your AC system to work harder to cool your home. This not only makes your home less comfortable but also leads to higher energy costs.

Replace the filter, clean it yourself, or hire an HVAC professional to take care of it. While you're at it, clean the coils and fins on your air conditioner as well.

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Reassess Your Blinds and Shades

There are two ways to use blinds and shades to lower your electric bill: first, choose more energy-efficient window coverings; second, make sure you're opening and closing them as needed.

Some window coverings are better for temperature control than others. For instance, cellular shades (which have a honeycomb shape) can reduce heat loss through windows by over 40% in winter and cut heat entering through windows in summer by up to 60%. Lace curtains, however, offer little more than decoration.

Look for products certified by the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC) for their energy efficiency. These ratings will tell you how effective the coverings are at cooling and heating your home.

And remember, almost all window coverings are adjustable. Make it a habit to close shades in unused rooms or when you're leaving for a while.

Install a Smart or Programmable Thermostat

Installing a smart or programmable thermostat can make a big difference. If you already have one, make sure you're using it to its full potential. Program it to start cooling your home 30 minutes to an hour before you wake up. Let the house warm up while you're away at work and cool it down just before you return. The key is to avoid cooling your home when you don't need to.

A common misconception is that it's more efficient to keep your home at a constant temperature, but that's not true. If your thermostat is set at 70°F, the moment your home hits 71°F, your HVAC will start working to bring it back down. The effort to cool every degree is the same, so by setting a higher temperature, you save more energy.

Check for Vampire Energy Suckers

Anything plugged into an outlet consumes energy, even when not in use. That coffee maker, for example, is still using electricity even when it's not brewing. A 2015 study found that about a quarter of your electric bill might come from these vampire appliances.

Consider unplugging appliances and electronics you rarely use or don't need plugged in all the time. For a more precise approach, invest in a home electrical energy usage monitor (available for less than $15) to test individual items around your home—it's easier than you think.

Seal Cracks and Gaps

Any opening in your home can let heat in. Check around your windows and doors for temperature differences. If you notice a draft, consider sealing these areas with caulking, weather stripping, or foam sealant.

Other signs of cracks and gaps include dirty spots on walls or carpets and water stains (if moisture is getting in, air probably is too).

Outlets, the fireplace and chimney, the dryer vent, and your mail slot are all potential points of air leakage. Fireplace flues are particularly notorious for this. Consider adding an inflatable chimney balloon or DIY a reusable one with a trash bag filled with fiberglass batting scraps. Just remember to remove it before starting your next fire.