Energy-Saving Maintenance to Beat the Summer Heat

Summer brings sunshine, cookouts, and longer days—but it also brings higher energy bills if your home isn’t prepped to handle the heat. The good news? A few proactive maintenance steps can help you stay cool and comfortable without sending your electricity bill through the roof.

Here are some smart, energy-saving maintenance tips to help you beat the heat and boost your home’s efficiency this summer:

1. Get Your HVAC System Serviced

Your cooling system is working overtime during the hottest months. A seasonal HVAC tune-up ensures everything runs smoothly and efficiently. During a service, a pro will:

• Clean the coils

• Check for leaks

• Replace filters

• Test the thermostat and controls

Pro Tip: Replacing your air filter every 1–3 months helps your system run efficiently and improves air quality.

2. Seal Windows and Doors

If cool air is escaping through cracks and gaps, your A/C is working harder than it needs to. Seal it up by:

• Adding weatherstripping around doors

• Using caulk to seal window edges

• Installing door sweeps to block drafts

This quick fix can lower your energy use and keep the cool air where it belongs—inside.

3. Install a Programmable Thermostat

A smart or programmable thermostat adjusts the temperature when you’re not home, cutting down on energy waste. Some models even learn your habits or connect to your phone for remote control.

Set it to raise the temp a few degrees when you're out and cool things down before you return.

4. Use Ceiling Fans Correctly

Fans don’t cool the air—they move it. But used right, they can make your home feel cooler and reduce your need for A/C. In summer mode, your fan should spin counterclockwise to push cool air down.

Also: turn fans off when you leave the room. No need to cool an empty space!

5. Block Out the Heat

Sunlight streaming in is beautiful, but it also heats up your home fast. Reduce solar gain by:

• Closing blinds and curtains during peak sunlight hours

• Installing blackout or thermal curtains in high-heat areas

• Adding reflective window film or solar screens

This small change can reduce the temperature in a room by several degrees.

6. Switch to LED Bulbs

Still using incandescent bulbs? Time for an upgrade. LED bulbs:

• Use up to 75% less energy

• Emit less heat

• Last significantly longer

It’s a small switch with long-term savings, especially in rooms where lights are used often.

7. Keep Heat-Producing Appliances in Check

Running your oven or dryer during the day can raise your home’s internal temperature. Instead:

• Grill outdoors when you can

• Run the dishwasher and dryer in the evening

• Air dry clothes when possible

Less heat indoors = less work for your A/C system.

Keeping your home cool this summer doesn’t mean cranking the A/C 24/7. With a few strategic maintenance moves and mindful habits, you can create a comfortable, energy-efficient space—and lower your utility bills in the process.

Bonus: You’ll be doing your part for the planet, too.