Summer Home Preparation Checklist: 8 Energy-Saving Tips for Homeowners
Want to stay cool without overspending? Learn how to cut summer energy costs with easy tips like adjusting your thermostat to using smart tech, and more. These quick wins help you lower utility bills while keeping your home comfortable.
Key Takeaways
Raise your thermostat above 78°F to cut cooling costs by 5–10%.
Seal gaps and cracks to keep cool air in and reduce AC workload.
Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances to lower bills and conserve energy.
Last updated: July 2026
Summer is here, and while we all love the sunny days, we don’t enjoy the spike in our energy bills! But don’t worry, saving energy and staying cool doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. With just a few simple tweaks, you can significantly reduce your home’s energy use, all while keeping your home comfortable.
1. Adjust Your Thermostat Settings
Tip: Try raising the thermostat a few degrees when you’re away or sleeping.
Why it works: For every degree above your baseline temp, you can save 3–5% on cooling costs or save as much as 10% a year, simply by turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day.
Pro Tip: Use a programmable thermostat to set your cooling schedule automatically. This way, your home stays cool when you’re home and saves energy when you’re not.
2. Maintain or Upgrade Your AC Unit
Tip: Replace air filters monthly and schedule routine AC maintenance.
Why it works: A clean, efficient system runs better and uses less energy.
Pro Tip: If your AC is 10+ years old, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. It could save you money in the long run by using less energy!
3. Seal Cracks and Air Leaks
Tip: Check around your windows, doors, and vents for air leaks, and seal any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk.
Why it works: Preventing air leaks keeps cool air in and hot air out, so your AC doesn’t work overtime.
Pro Tip: Install door sweeps and consider attic insulation for even better temperature control.
4. Use Fans to Circulate Air
Tip: Ceiling or box fans are great at circulating cool air throughout the house, making your space feel cooler without relying solely on the AC.
Why it works: Fans use less energy than AC units and can make a room feel cooler by moving air around.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to turn off fans when you leave a room—they don’t cool the air, just circulate it!
5. Close Curtains and Blinds During the Day
Tip: Keep your blinds or curtains closed during the day to block out the sun’s heat.
Why it works: Closing the curtains can lower indoor temperatures, which means your AC doesn’t have to work as hard. Studies show that certain draperies can reduce heat gains by 33%.
Pro Tip: For extra heat protection, invest in blackout curtains—they’re like a cool shield for your windows!
6. Cook Smarter in Hot Weather
Tip: Use your microwave, air fryer, or slow cooker instead of your stove or oven to avoid heating up your kitchen.
Why it works: Cooking with smaller appliances generates less heat, reducing the need for cooling.
Pro Tip: If you do need to cook on the stove, try to do it early in the morning or late at night when it’s cooler outside.
7. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
Tip: If it’s time for a new appliance, opt for energy-efficient models that have the Energy Star label.
Why it works: Energy-efficient appliances use less electricity, which means lower bills for you.
Pro Tip: Look for appliances designed to perform well in warmer conditions.
8. Embrace Smart Home Technology
Tip: Install smart plugs, thermostats, or outlets to monitor energy use.
Why it works: Automating your home's energy consumption ensures you only use power when needed.
Pro Tip: Many smart thermostats can learn your habits and adjust based on your lifestyle, saving you money without you even thinking about it!
Want to Go Further?
To find even more ways to save energy and lower your utility bills, check out our DIY Energy Audit Guide. It’s an easy, step-by-step tool that helps you uncover hidden energy-wasters in your home!
Lowering your energy bill this summer doesn’t require major sacrifices. With just a few smart changes, you can stay cool, save money, and reduce your environmental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I lower my energy bill in the summer?
Start with free adjustments: raise your thermostat a few degrees, close curtains during the day, and run fans to circulate air. Then reduce your AC's workload by sealing air leaks and replacing filters monthly. For bigger savings, upgrade to an energy-efficient AC or a smart thermostat.
What temperature should I set my thermostat to in summer?
The U.S. Department of Energy suggests around 78°F when you're home and awake, and higher when you're away or asleep. Each degree above your baseline can save roughly 3–5% on cooling costs.
Do ceiling fans actually save money?
Yes — fans use far less energy than an AC and let you stay comfortable at a higher thermostat setting. Just turn them off when you leave the room, since fans cool people, not the air.
Does closing curtains keep your house cooler?
Yes. Closing blinds or curtains during the day blocks solar heat — the DOE notes certain draperies can cut heat gains by up to 33%, so your AC doesn't have to work as hard.
