10 Genius Hacks to Slash Your Summer Power Bill—Without Sweating It

Beat the Heat (and High Costs) With These Proven Strategies

As temperatures soar, so do electricity bills—but you don’t have to choose between comfort and savings. Here’s how to keep cool while keeping your wallet happy this summer.

1. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

Programmable thermostats like Nest or Ecobee learn your habits and adjust temperatures automatically. Set it to 78°F when you’re home and higher when you’re away—this alone can cut cooling costs by 10%.

2. Seal the Deal on Drafts

• Weatherstrip doors and windows
• Add door sweeps to exterior entries
• Use expanding foam for larger gaps

A properly sealed home can reduce energy waste by up to 20%.

3. Harness the Power of Fans

Ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect that lets you raise the thermostat 4°F without discomfort. Just remember: fans cool people, not rooms—turn them off when you leave.

Advanced Tricks for Big Savings

1. Cook strategically: Use grills, slow cookers, or microwave ovens to avoid heating your kitchen
2. Time your usage: Run major appliances during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening)
3. Go solar: Even small solar chargers can power electronics without grid electricity

The Hidden Appliance Vampires

Unplug devices like gaming consoles and coffee makers when not in use—they silently drain power 24/7. Consider smart power strips that cut phantom loads automatically.

What Do You Think?

• Should utility companies be required to offer more summer relief programs?
• Is it fair that renters often can't make energy-saving upgrades?
• Would you support rolling blackouts if it meant lower bills?
• Are smart home devices worth the upfront investment?

BNN Tip: Many states offer free energy audits—contact your utility provider to see if you qualify for savings programs or rebates on efficiency upgrades.