Homeowners often notice a sharp increase in their electric bills during summer. Though rising temperatures are often the biggest factor, cooling costs may not be the only reason your monthly bill is higher than expected this season.
In this article, we’ll help you determine where the extra electricity is being used and identify practical ways to reduce consumption.
Make Sure It’s Not a Billing Mistake
Before assuming your electricity usage was higher, take a few minutes to verify that your bill is accurate. Review your:
- Meter reading
- Billing period
- Electricity usage (kWh)
- Supply and delivery charges
You can compare the meter reading listed on your bill with your actual meter to identify potential errors. You may also want to compare your current bill to the same month last year to determine if your usage or rate increased.
Where All That Extra Electricity Is Actually Going
In most homes, the seasonal increase in electricity isn’t caused by a single appliance. Usually, it’s the result of several systems working harder during the hottest months of the year.
Your AC Is Working a Lot Harder
Air conditioning is typically the biggest contributor to higher summer electric bills. As temperatures rise, your cooling system has to run longer and more frequently to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. During particularly intense heat waves, your AC may run continuously all day long.
Whether you have central air, a mini-split system, or window units, cooling costs can add up quickly during summer.
More People Home Means More Appliances Running
Summer also changes household routines. Kids may be home from school, or family members may work remotely more often. Many people tend to spend additional time indoors during the hottest parts of the day. Beyond cooling, this also means more appliances running, including:
- Televisions
- Computers
- Device chargers
- Cooking appliances
- Washers and driers
- Lighting
Even small increases across multiple appliances and devices can noticeably impact your electricity bill.
A Few Appliances You May Be Forgetting About
Some of the biggest summer energy users aren’t always top of mind. Some appliances you may not realize are drawing more energy in the summer include:
- Pool pumps
- Dehumidifiers
- Second refrigerators or freezers
- Ice makers
- Electric water heaters
You may be surprised by how much these systems contribute to your overall energy usage.
10 Small Changes That Actually Save You Money
The good news is that reducing summer energy costs doesn’t always require major upgrades or sacrificing comfort. Small changes like these can add up over time.
Check Your AC Filter
A dirty air filter restricts airflow and forces your cooling system to work harder. Replacing a clogged filter is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to improve efficiency.
Bump Your Thermostat Up a Few Degrees
Many homeowners don’t realize that increasing the thermostat by just 2-3 degrees can noticeably reduce cooling costs without sacrificing too much comfort. The closer your indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the less work your AC has to do throughout the day.
Use a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat can automatically adjust temperatures when you’re asleep, away from home, or following your normal daily routine. This helps prevent your cooling system from running unnecessarily while maintaining comfort when you need it most.
Spin Your Ceiling Fan the Right Direction
Ceiling fans have a switch that can change the spin direction of the blades. During summer, fans should spin counterclockwise to create a wind-chill effect that makes the room feel colder, allowing you to raise the thermostat a few degrees.
Unplug Electronics Quietly Drawing Power
Many electronics continue to consume electricity even when turned off, called “standby power.” Devices like gaming systems, televisions, chargers, and coffee makers can create “phantom loads” that slowly add to your monthly bill.
Look at Your Pool Pump
Pool pumps often run for several hours each day and can become one of the largest consumers of electricity in your home during the summer. Adjusting times, maintaining equipment, and upgrading to a more efficient model can help reduce operating costs.
Choose ENERGY STAR® Appliances
If you’re replacing an older appliance, consider energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR-certified products are built to use less electricity while maintaining performance, reducing long-term operating costs.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting may not be a massive contributor to your electric bill, but it is one of the easiest areas to improve. LED bulbs use significantly less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and often last much longer, helping you reduce energy and replacement costs.
Close Blinds During Peak Sun Hours
Direct sunlight can greatly increase indoor temperatures, especially in rooms with large south- or west-facing windows. Closing your shades or curtains during the hottest parts of the day can help reduce heat gain and lower the workload on your AC system.
Where Agway® Fits Into the Picture
Summer energy bills are impacted by both increased electricity usage and the systems that keep your home comfortable. Though improving efficiency can reduce consumption, many homeowners also want added protection when cooling systems experience wear and tear during periods of heavy use.
Agway Energy Services® provides reliable electricity supply for homes and small businesses throughout New York and Pennsylvania, along with access to value-added programs like Agway EnergyGuard®. Depending on the commodity purchased, EnergyGuard may help cover eligible repairs caused by wear and tear on qualifying cooling and electrical systems*.
Contact Agway to learn more about our available plans and protection options.
*Coverage depends on commodity purchased.
