Keep Cool and Save Energy with These Summer Tips

Summer is the time of year many look forward to — long sunny days, spending time outdoors and taking advantage of the warmer weather. It's also the season when saving energy can be instrumental in reducing your monthly electric bill. 

One of the simplest ways to save is by installing window coverings — such as curtains or blinds — throughout your home. This helps limit the amount of heat that can enter your house from sunlight throughout the day. Just as you caulk and seal gaps around doors and windows in winter to keep warm air in, doing so in the summer can help keep warm air out. Prevent the cooler air inside your home from escaping by sealing or weatherstripping around these areas. If you haven't done so already, make sure to schedule routine maintenance for your HVAC system to ensure it is operating efficiently as temperatures start to rise. It's also important to check and replace your air conditioning filters as needed to prevent dust and dirt from blocking airflow. Remember to keep your thermostat set as close to the outdoor temperature as is comfortably possible to save the most energy. If you have a smart thermostat, you can also program it to keep your home slightly warmer while you're away, and then shift to a cooler setting during the times you're usually home. Mealtimes offer opportunities to save energy, too! Instead of adding unnecessary heat to your home by using the oven, opt to grill outside. 

Find more tips on how to save energy this summer at energy.gov.