Ten Summer Energy-Saving Tips
Here’s how you can beat the summer heat, conserve energy and save on electricity
Now that the Cherry Blossom Festival has passed in Washington D.C., the Preakness Stakes has run in Baltimore and ComEd has turned on the Buckingham Fountain in Chicago, the summer is nearly here.
Globally, the 2023 summer season was the warmest and most extreme on record, with some scientists are already warning that 2024 could beat that record. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that the 2023-2024 winter season was the warmest winter on record for the lower-48 states since the 1890s. NOAA’s forecasts for the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions are already leaning toward above average temperatures, with other regions under heat threats as well.
As the need to prepare for warmer weather becomes more of a necessity than a suggestion, we’ve put together some important energy-saving tips to help customers stay cool all while saving on energy bills as appliances work overtime to beat the heat.

Monitor Your Thermostat
According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7° - 10°F for eight hours a day from its normal setting. You can save by keeping your house slightly warmer than normal while away and setting the thermostat as high as comfortable to you and your family when you’re home and in need of cooling or humidity control. Consider avoiding setting your thermostat to a colder than normal setting when you turn on the air conditioning system. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive use of your air conditioning costing you more in the long run.
Maximize Efficiency
Schedule regular maintenance of your cooling equipment. This can ensure that your air conditioning system is energy efficient, working properly and does not require surprising repairs or replacements. Be sure to vacuum air intake vents regularly and make sure that dust build up is not blocking the air intake duct. Keeping furniture, clothing and anything that might restrict the flow of air clear from your vents will help the system remain efficient and ensure it works properly.
Utilize Fans
Having ceiling fans or standalone fans on while in a room can work to lower comfort demands from your cooling system. Remember, fans cool people and not temperature. By purchasing fans that are energy efficient, you can also lower energy demands. Make sure to turn fans off when not in a room or not home as they will not lower the indoor temperature.
Change Air Conditioning Filters
According to the Department of Energy, replacing old, dirty, or clogged air conditioning filters regularly can help lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by up to 15%. When air flow is reduced, air can either take longer to enter the system or bypass the filter and send dust and debris into your air conditioning unit which could harm efficiency and the overall system health.
Open Interior Doors
Always make sure your exterior doors and windows are closed to allow for cooler air to remain inside. By also keeping interior doors open you can help regulate the temperature between rooms as this promotes airflow. Having interior doors open allows the air pressure inside your home to be balanced, comfortable and supportive of a consistent temperature. When a room is closed off the air becomes trapped inside causing the air pressure to rise and ultimately raising heat levels in other areas of your home. This can even prevent the air conditioning unit from functioning properly.
Weatherproof Your Home
Inspect doors, windows, ceilings and exterior openings for gaps or cracks to improve comfort, energy efficiency and potentially lower utility demands. By using weatherstripping or caulk to seal and prevent air leakage, cool air can stay inside. Proper insulation can also keep homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Lastly, replacing or updating worn-out weatherstripping with new seals can help ensure that windows and doors remain tightly closed and the indoor climate regulated.
Turn Off Unnecessary Lights and Appliances
Small actions like turning off lights and unused appliances can make a big difference over time for your electric bill. By turning off lights or heat-producing small-appliances you can reduce energy demand and potentially work to cool indoor temperature. Some lights produce heat and contribute to the overall temperature of your indoor space, so having them off can save you money and keep your indoor climate cool.
Close Blinds, Shades and Drapes
Lowering or adjusting blinds, shades and drapes can drastically work to keep the sun from heating up your space. An estimated 30% of unwanted heat in a home comes in through windows. One way to easily lower indoor temperatures is by ensuring that windows are shaded while you’re away, so that when you return it’s easier to cool down with an air conditioning unit. When applicable, black-out curtains, window coverings and energy efficient window treatments can also help keep sunlight out. According to a study by the Department of Energy, 75% of residential window coverings remain in the same position every day. By being strategic with your windows, you can work to reduce indoor heat levels and even save on your electric needs.
Manage Appliances
Some major indoor appliances produce or purposefully utilize heat to function. Appliances like washer and dryer units, ovens and even dishwashers can emit considerable heat in a home. Consider running these major appliances at night or in the early morning hours when the sun is down to reduce the overall temperature indoors. Ensuring that appliances like dryers are properly ventilated can also help to send heat outside.
Track Usage
By keeping the thermostat at a consistent level and comfortable to the outdoor temperature, you can work to save and reduce energy demand. Monitoring energy consumption can help ensure that you understand overall usage of your space and in some instances, you can see what neighbors in your area are also using for reference. Lastly, setting up energy alerts, available from your local utility company, can leave you more informed about usage levels.