How To Save on Your Electric Bill: 10 DIY-Able Ways To Save This Summer

Spring is the perfect time to prepare for the increased energy demands of summer. With longer days and hotter temperatures, air conditioners kick into high gear, leading to spikes in your electric bill.

41% of homeowners say they are primarily DIYing some or all renovation, repairs, and maintenance to manage costs. Preventive maintenance can be the key to a cool and comfortable summer. Taking advantage of spring's mild weather to tackle a few simple projects that keep your home cool will help set you up for a more cost-effective summer.

Our guide will go over 10 steps to help you prevent high energy costs and usage during the summer months. We also include projected savings and steps for you to put each tip into action.

1. Schedule a home energy audit

Home energy audits involve a home energy professional reviewing your home's electric usage and determining ways to reduce your energy usage. These audits uncover opportunities for upgrades with long-term benefits, like developing a smart home strategy with devices that can help improve energy efficiency. This includes tools like smart power strips which may reduce energy drain from devices on standby.

Projected savings:

Homeowners can save an average of 5-30% on their annual energy bills by implementing home energy audit recommendations (U.S. Department of Energy, 2022).

Effort required: Low

Steps to take:

• Contact local utility companies: Contact local utility companies to ask about a home energy audit, which is sometimes free, to identify where you can reduce your energy use.
  
• Gather your utility bills: Having past bills on hand provides the auditor with valuable data for a more comprehensive analysis.

2. Unplug unused electronics

Even when turned off, electronics draw in a small amount of power. This "phantom energy," as it's sometimes called, contributes to higher electric bills and even poses a potential fire risk. Additionally, phantom energy can overload circuits during peak usage times, potentially triggering power outages.

Common appliances that consume power when turned off:

• TVs
• Gaming consoles
• Printers
• Coffee makers
• Phone chargers
• Desk lamps
• Electric toothbrushes

Projected savings:

Unplugging unused electronics can help save up to $100 per year on your electricity bill (U.S. Department of Energy, 2022).

Effort required: Low

Steps to take:

• Identify energy drainers: Pay close attention to electronics with lights or displays that remain illuminated even when powered down. This contributes to energy drainage.
  
• Unplug electronics: By physically removing the plug, you eliminate the risk of phantom energy drain and potential electrical hazards.
  
• Power down strips: Utilize power strips with on/off switches. This helps you cut power to a group of electronics with a single flip, eliminating the need to unplug individual devices each time.

3. Clean your refrigerator

Fridge condenser coils are responsible for maintaining an even temperature inside a fridge. Cleaning your refrigerator's condenser coils and checking the temperature settings can help improve its lifespan and efficiency.

Regular refrigerator maintenance helps improve appliance performance, preventing spikes in energy costs. It can also promote safety by preventing potential overheating issues.

Projected savings:

Keeping fridge coils clean can help lower energy bills by improving long-term appliance efficiency. It also helps reduce the likelihood of spoiled or wasted food that can occur due to fluctuating fridge temperatures (U.S. Department of Energy).

Effort required: Low

Steps to take:

• Clean condenser coils: Clean the coils by using an angled vacuum hose at least once a year, more often if you have pets, to help improve airflow and cooling performance. You can find instructions for locating and cleaning the coils in your owner's manual.
  
• Optimize temperatures: Set your refrigerator to 37 degrees and your freezer to 0 degrees.
  
• Avoid overcrowding: Avoid overstuffing your refrigerator shelves, allowing for proper airflow between items.
  
• Clean up spills promptly: Clean up spills immediately to help maintain a clean and efficient refrigerator.

4. Seal air leaks

Unsealed cracks and openings contribute to moisture problems, this can impact both your health and the durability of your home's structure. Eliminating leaks also helps reduce drafts and cold spots.

Unsealed leaks allow conditioned air to escape in summer, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. This can result in higher energy bills and unnecessary wear and tear on your equipment. Sealing these leaks can help you enjoy improved comfort and lower energy costs.

Projected savings:

Air sealing typically can save homeowners an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs or roughly 11% on their total energy bill (ENERGY STAR, 2024).

Effort required: Low

Steps to take:

• Feel for drafts: Walk around your home with your hand close to windows, doors, electrical outlets, and plumbing fixtures. Drafts will feel cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
  
• Visually inspect seals: Check and repair the weatherstripping around doors and windows for cracks, tears, or worn-out areas. Look for gaps around dryer vents, fireplaces, and recessed lights.
  
• Seal the leaks:
  
  • Caulk: Use a caulk gun to seal small cracks and gaps around windows, doors, baseboards, and trim.
    
  • Weatherstrip: Apply weatherstripping to drafty doors and windows to create a tighter seal.
    
  • Foam sealant: Use canned spray foam to fill larger gaps around pipes, vents, and wires entering your home.

5. Switch to LED lightbulbs

LED lightbulbs offer a double benefit: They're cool to the touch, helping reduce the risk of burns, and they're energy-efficient because they generate minimal heat.

Making the switch is quick and easy for homeowners—they fit in the same standard sockets as your old bulbs.

LED bulbs have a lifespan that can last well over 10 years. That’s significantly fewer replacements than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Projected savings:

Switching to LED bulbs can shave an average of $225 off your annual energy bill (U.S. Department of Energy, 2024).

Effort required: Low

Steps to take:

• Research LED bulbs: LED bulbs come in various wattages and color temperatures to match your needs. Look for lumens (lm) on the packaging, which indicates brightness.
  
• Install LED bulbs: Once you determine the best fit for your home, replace your current light bulbs with LED alternatives.