7 Energy Saving Tips for Summer (To Stay Cool on a Budget)

If the past few summers are any indication of what we can expect this year, it's going to be a hot one. With temperatures exceeding triple digits in many states, you're going to want to find ways to beat the heat. Typically, this means cranking up the A/C and paying the (literal) price later. But what if we told you that you can stay cool this summer while saving money on energy costs?

Photo by Shardayyy via Flickr There's more than one way to keep your house comfortable without breaking the bank. This article will give you the necessary tips to make your home energy efficient without sacrificing the modern luxuries you depend on.

Service Your HVAC

Photo by Ken_Mayer via Flickr

Your HVAC systems should be carefully maintained to receive max efficiency. This means you should replace your filters 2-4 times a year and have an expert service the unit(s) once per year. A dirty filter by itself can add up to 5% to your utility bill each month.

Find filters and spare parts by visiting our HVAC parts page.

Buy a Programmable Thermostat

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If you have an older thermostat that doesn't allow you to program your own settings, it's worth the investment. Plan out your typical week: When will you be home? When are you at work?

As a rule of thumb, we recommend setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you're at home and 85 degrees when you're away.

Programming a heating/cooling schedule will keep your home comfortable without worrying about adjusting the temperature every few hours.

Install Ceiling Fans

To get a bit technical, ceiling fans don't actually make a room any cooler. But they do create the illusion of a lower temperature by cooling the bodies in a room. And because ceiling fans use about the same amount of power as a 100 Watt light bulb, you'll instantly save money on your homes cooling costs.

Make sure the blades rotate counter-clockwise in the summer (for downward airflow) and clockwise (upward airflow) in the winter. Have an old fan that needs fixing? We've got the parts for you.

Use Window Coverings

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According to energy.gov, "…. highly reflective blinds can reduce heat gain by around 45%". If you combine these blinds with draperies, you can keep a room nearly 70% cooler than without any window coverings. Less heat entering your home means less stress on your A/C unit and more savings each month on your utility bills.

Cook (Grill) Outside

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Whether you have a gas or electric stove top, one thing's for sure -- cooking inside will heat your home and add to your bills. That's why we recommend always taking your cooking outdoors during the summer months. No matter if you're a charcoal or propane guy, grilling outside will keep your home cool while still cooking delicious food. Any reason is a good reason to grill.

Use a Clothes Line

Photo by Nina Matthews Photography via Flickr

Believe it or not, your clothes dryer alone can amount to 6% of your utility bills each month. Combine this with the heat your dryer pumps into your home and it should be no surprise to learn why your dryer is an energy hog.

Take a page out of your grandparent's handbook and build yourself an outdoor clothes line. The simple act of hanging clothes to dry naturally can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a year. Plus, there's no substitute for a naturally-dried pair of slacks.

Plant Trees

Photo by ralph and jenny via Flickr

Planting trees is a great way to beat the summer heat -- especially if they help shade your home. Talk to your local nursery to find and purchase deciduous trees that are compatible with your climate. They'll provide you with shade in the summer and sunshine in the winter.

Conclusion

Each person does it a little differently, but conserving energy is always a smart decision. Once you get into the routine of closing windows and turning off lights, it'll become second nature. Trust us!

You can live comfortably without breaking the bank. It's time for you to take back control of your utility bills.

WRITTEN BY

EREPLACE CONTENT TEAM

Comprised of creative, experienced video producers, writers, and graphic designers, the eReplacementParts.com Content Team is focused on using their diverse knowledge base to create high-quality informative content to achieve our simple mission: Help the world fix things. Whether it be through tips, guides, or hacks, we ensure that every piece of content includes only expert knowledge, to guarantee that you can do the job right the first time!

PUBLISHED ON December 03, 2025