Heating and cooling costs spike during extreme seasons. With the right strategies, you can stay comfortable while keeping your electricity bill under control. Here are targeted tips for summer and winter.
Summer Energy Saving Tips
Optimize Your AC
Set the thermostat to 78°F (26°C) when home—each degree lower can increase cooling costs by 6–8%. Use ceiling fans to feel 4–6°F cooler without lowering the thermostat. Ensure your AC unit is shaded and clear of debris for maximum efficiency.
Block Solar Heat
Close blinds and curtains on east-facing windows in the morning and west-facing in the afternoon. Reflective blinds or blackout curtains can reduce heat gain by 45%. Consider window film for south-facing glass.
Use Appliances Wisely
Ovens, dryers, and stovetops add heat to your home. Run them in the early morning or evening when it's cooler. Use the microwave, grill, or slow cooker instead of the oven on hot days.
Maintain Your AC
Replace or clean filters monthly during summer. Dirty filters reduce airflow and force the unit to run longer. Schedule a professional tune-up in spring to ensure coils are clean and refrigerant levels are correct.
Winter Energy Saving Tips
Optimize Your Heating
Set the thermostat to 68°F (20°C) when home and 60–62°F (15–17°C) when away or asleep. Wear layers and use blankets instead of cranking the heat. Reverse ceiling fans to clockwise at low speed to push warm air down from the ceiling.
Let the Sun In
Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day to capture solar heat. Close all curtains at night to reduce heat loss. Ensure windows are sealed—drafts can waste 10–20% of heating energy.
Seal Drafts
Cold air enters through gaps around doors, windows, and electrical outlets. Weatherstrip doors, caulk window frames, and install outlet gaskets. A drafty home can lose 25% of its heat through leaks.
- Summer: 78°F thermostat, close blinds, run heat-producing appliances at night
- Winter: 68°F thermostat, open south blinds by day, seal drafts
- Both: Maintain HVAC, use fans, insulate and seal
"The same principles apply year-round: reduce the load on your HVAC, use natural heating and cooling when possible, and maintain your equipment. Season-specific tweaks amplify the savings."
Transition Seasons (Spring and Fall)
When temperatures are mild, turn off HVAC and open windows for cross-ventilation. Use fans instead of AC. Schedule annual maintenance for your heating and cooling systems before the next extreme season. Replace filters and test thermostats.
Prepare in Advance
Before summer: Clean or replace AC filters, clear outdoor unit, check ductwork. Before winter: Seal drafts, insulate pipes, service furnace. A little preparation prevents emergency repairs and keeps efficiency high.
Use ElectriBill's calculator to compare seasonal usage and plan for upcoming high-bill months.