5 Ways to Keep Energy Costs Low During the Summer Months

Five simple tips that can help you keep your energy costs low during the hot summer months without sacrificing comfort.

I love the summer season. Grilled food, local festivals, road trips, and sunny days are always the highlight of the season. As a family, we try to make the most of out of summer and get outdoors as often as possible. Even little things, such as a quick stop for ice cream, have become part of our summer traditions.

The summer months, also bring along a rise in temperatures which can equal a rise in energy costs. But with some simple changes, you can keep your expenses low without sacrificing comfort. Here are 5 simple tips that can help you keep your energy costs low during the hot summer months:

5 Ways to Keep Energy Costs Low During the Summer Months

1. Use a programmable thermostat

One easy way to save on your energy costs is to replace your thermostat with a programmable one. This will allow you to set the temperature and even set the time of day you want your air conditioning to be on. Some programmable thermostats will even allow you to schedule the temperature for several days in advance which is perfect for the days you’re away on vacation. You’ll also want to adjust the temperature a few degrees higher so the cooling unit doesn’t turn on unless it’s very warm and necessary.

2. Get out the kitchen

Using the stove or oven on a hot day will only warm up your home even more. To keep your home cool during the hot summer days, get out of the kitchen and cook outdoors. We love to grill during the hot summer months and enjoy our outdoor space. Get creative, you don’t have to stick to burgers and hot dogs, add some seafood and steaks to your grilling menu. If you decide to stay indoors or if the weather does not allow you to get outside, use your crockpot to create a delicious recipe that does not require you to use the stove.

3. Go outdoors

Go outside with your family and enjoy the warmer weather! The less time you spend indoors the less energy you’ll use since you won’t need to crank on your cooling system. Keep it simple; go for a walk, a bike ride, or even a swim. You’ll be creating new memories and spending less money in the process.

4. Block the sunlight

On very sunny days I notice that if I have my blinds or curtains open, my home warms up very quickly. To keep the temperature down in the home, I close my blinds and curtains when the sunlight is directly hitting the windows. This will also help the cool air stay in.

5. Use fans

Fans are an excellent way to keep a room cool without using a lot of energy. Instead of turning on your cooling unit, try using a fan and opening your windows at night. I find that most nights that is all I need to keep my bedroom cool and comfortable. Also, remember your ceiling fans should be set to run counter-clockwise during the warmer months to allow air movement.

How do you keep cool during the warmer months? I would love to hear your tips!