10 fixes that’ll cut your summer electric bill by $100+

When the summer heat hits, your electric bill can climb fast. Air conditioning alone can double what you usually pay, and that’s before you add in fans, appliances, and longer days at home. The good news is you don’t have to suffer in the heat to save money. A few smart fixes can lower your bill by $100 or more over the season without making you miserable. These aren’t gimmicks—they’re practical changes that actually work.

Seal air leaks around doors and windows

Even small gaps let cool air escape, making your AC run longer than it should. Caulk, foam strips, or weatherstripping are inexpensive and easy to install, and they keep the cold air where it belongs.

You’ll notice your system cycling less often, which can save you around 10–15% on cooling costs. It’s one of the fastest ways to cut your electric bill without even touching your thermostat.

Change your air filter regularly

A clogged filter forces your air conditioner to work harder, which drives up your energy use. Most filters should be swapped every one to three months in the summer when the unit is running daily.

Fresh filters improve airflow and keep your system from overworking. That alone can save $10–$20 a month, and it also helps prevent costly repairs down the road.

Use ceiling fans the right way

Fans don’t cool the air, but they make you feel cooler by moving it around. Setting ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise in summer pushes air down and creates a breeze that can make the room feel 4–5 degrees cooler.

That small difference means you can raise your thermostat a few degrees without feeling uncomfortable. Each degree you adjust up can save about 3% on your bill.

Block out direct sunlight

Sunlight streaming through windows heats up a room quickly, which makes your AC kick on more often. Curtains, blinds, or blackout shades can keep that heat out before it builds.

If you don’t want to darken the house, reflective film or insulated curtains can still cut the heat while letting in some light. Keeping out that extra heat can lower cooling costs by 10% or more.

Clean your AC coils and vents

Dust and dirt buildup on coils or vents slows down airflow and makes your system less efficient. Cleaning them a couple of times each season keeps the unit running smoothly and reduces wasted energy.

This simple step can improve efficiency by up to 15%. You don’t need a professional for basic cleaning—just a vacuum, a soft brush, and a little time.

Unplug unused electronics

Even when turned off, electronics like chargers, TVs, and gaming systems use small amounts of power. All those “phantom loads” add up, especially in the summer when bills are already high.

Using power strips makes it easy to switch multiple devices off at once. This can trim $10–$20 a month without changing anything else about your routine.

Wash clothes in cold water

Most of the energy from a washing machine goes into heating the water. Switching to cold cycles cuts that cost completely, and your clothes still come out clean.

Pairing cold water washes with hanging some loads to dry instead of always using the dryer can save another $10–$15 a month. It’s a habit that makes a noticeable difference during peak utility season.

Cook smarter to avoid heating the house

Running your oven on a hot day forces your AC to work harder. Using smaller appliances like a slow cooker, toaster oven, or air fryer keeps the heat down and uses less electricity overall.

Grilling outside or prepping no-cook meals a few nights a week can also keep your home cooler. The less your AC has to fight kitchen heat, the lower your bill will be.

Set your thermostat strategically

Keeping the house at 72 all summer feels nice, but it comes at a cost. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting it closer to 78 when you’re home and even higher when you’re out.

A programmable or smart thermostat makes this automatic, so you’re not cooling an empty house. That adjustment alone can save $100 or more over the summer months.

Get your system serviced

An annual tune-up may feel like an extra expense, but it keeps your air conditioner running efficiently. Technicians check refrigerant levels, tighten connections, and make sure everything is working the way it should.

A well-maintained unit uses less energy and is less likely to break down during a heat wave. The upfront cost can pay for itself in one season through lower electric bills.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.