How to Save on Your Electric Bill: in Summer, Use These 10 Tips

Sweet, sweet summertime in Texas.

Barbecues.

Lazy days by the pool.

Sky-high electric bills.

If you're discouraged by out-of-control summer electricity bills, join the club. 

We’ll help you beat the Texas heat with our list of the 10 best ways you could save on electric bills in summer.

Table of Contents

• Do Electric Bills Go Up in the Summer?
  

• What Is A “Normal” Electric Bill in the Summer?

• How to Save on Your Electric Bill in the Summer: 10 Tips to Try 

• #1: Program Your Thermostat

• #2: Clean (or Replace) Your Air Filter

• #3: Utilize Ceiling Fans — But Only When You’re in the Room

• #4: Consider Reducing Your Water Heater Temperature

• #5: Take Advantage of “Off-Peak” Hours for Your Electricity Usage

• #6: Make Your Laundry Routine as Energy-Efficient as Possible

• #7: Check Your Home’s Insulation

• #8: Use Your Window Shades To Keep Cool

• #9: Swap Out Light Bulbs and Appliances Where You Can

• #10: Cook Outdoors

• How Your Electricity Plan Could Help You With Saving On Electricity In Summer

Do Electric Bills Go Up in the Summer?

Usually, yes. 

The hot, summer weather usually means an increase in overall electricity usage, which in turn can result in a higher electricity bill.

What Is a “Normal” Electric Bill in the Summer?

Of course, electric bills vary depending on location and time of year, but according to the US Energy Information Administration, the average monthly residential electric bill in the United States is $117.65. 

How to Save on Your Electric Bill in the Summer: 10 Tips to Try

If you're feeling wiped out by skyrocketing summer electricity bills, you're not alone.

Gexa Energy understands. 

That's why we offer you a wide variety of plans that are as unique as your individual needs. 

And not only are all of Gexa Energy’s residential plans 100% green, but each is accompanied by Gexa’s Happiness Guarantee.* 

Take a look at our top 10 ways to help you start saving on electricity in summer.

#1: Program Your Thermostat

You know how it is.

You walk in the door after a long day at work only to be greeted by a suffocatingly overheated house.

If your first thought is to start pumping the down arrow on your thermostat, think again.

According to the US Energy Information Administration, heating and air conditioning usage accounts for more than half of the energy costs in homes.

And drastically fluctuating the temperature in your home by constantly adjusting your thermostat isn’t the most economical way to go.

If you’re wondering how to lower electric bills in summer, one way to start is by installing a programmable thermostat. 

Programmable thermostats allow you to automatically change the temperature inside your home throughout the day by scheduling it ahead of time, rather than adjusting it multiple times a day.

This helps keep the temperature consistent, rather than having drastic warm-ups or cool-downs.

Programmable thermostats can also provide other benefits, including: 

• Optimizing your home's HVAC system

• Ultra high-efficiency 

• Letting you know when to change your air filter 

• The ability to lock in your settings

• The option to use Wifi to control your thermostat remotely

What’s the best way to program your thermostat?

Try to keep it set to a temperature that's just cool enough to keep you comfortable. 

According to the Department of Energy, turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for 8 hours a day can yield an annual savings of up to 10%. 

A programmable thermostat allows you to customize your cooling schedule.

So the air conditioner won’t have to run constantly, but your house will still be cool and comfy by the time you get home for the day. 

#2: Clean (or Replace) Your Air Filter

Did you know that a clogged, dirty air conditioner filter can slow down the airflow by 5 to 15%, making your system work even harder to keep you comfortable?

A great way to start saving on electricity in summer is to keep your air conditioner at maximum efficiency by keeping it clean.

The US Department of Energy recommends changing or cleaning your air filters once every three months to keep your air conditioner in tip-top condition.

#3: Utilize Ceiling Fans — But Only When You’re in the Room

With the ability to help keep you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, ceiling fans just may be the greatest thing since sliced bread.

What's so great about ceiling fans? 

Ceiling fans:

• Use around 1/60th of the energy of an air conditioner.

• Allow you to cut back on your air conditioning needs.

• Can save you up to 40% on electricity costs.

What are the best ways to save on your electric bill in summer by using your ceiling fan?

For starters, when you leave a room, turn off the fan.

Leaving it running 24/7 can cost you up to $7 a month. 

You’ll want to be sure that your ceiling fan is switched to the counterclockwise position for optimal summertime cooling.

#4: Consider Reducing Your Water Heater Temperature

Water heating accounts for about 18 percent of all energy consumed in your home.

The US Department of Energy recommends lowering the temperature on your water heater from 140 degrees to 120 degrees. 

#5: Take Advantage of “Off-Peak” Hours for Your Electricity Usage with Time Of Use Plans

Did you know that it may cost you more to run a load of laundry or do a load of dishes in the afternoon than it would in the early morning?

The fact is that there are certain hours during the day when electricity usage is highest — and therefore, most expensive.

While peak and off-peak hours will vary by supplier, the general rule of thumb is that off-peak hours are at night, while peak hours occur during the day.

So, if you're wondering how to lower electric bills in summer, a great tip is to schedule your energy use to “off-peak” hours, such as early morning or late at night.

Plus, by switching to off-peak times, you’ll help reduce the load on the grid.

#6: Make Your Laundry Routine as Energy-Efficient as Possible

Laundry, another water hog, can also be optimized in the summer. 

Here are a few ideas you might find helpful in your efforts for saving on electricity in summer:

• Adjust the water level on your washer to match the load size, especially when you are using hot water.

• To save energy, always use a cold water rinse. 

• Maximize your loads – not only do you get more for your money, but you will also do laundry less often. 

• Clean the lint filter in your dryer before every load so your clothes dry faster.

• Use your dryer’s auto sensor function to conserve energy by not over-drying your clothes.

• Bypass your dryer altogether by hanging your clothes to dry.

#7: Check Your Home’s Insulation

Ever leave a door open when you were growing up only to hear, “Close the door. I’m not paying to cool the great outdoors”?

The fact is, if your home has poor insulation, you may very well be paying to do just that.

Weatherstripping and caulking are two of the easiest and most effective ways to make your home air-tight.

Check to be sure that caulking or weather stripping has been used to fill in any cracks in the foundation, as well as around doors and window frames. 

The goal is to reduce the flow of any air that may be leaking in or out of your home, thus maximizing the efficiency of your air conditioning system and cutting the cost of cooling your home. 

#8: Use Your Window Shades To Keep Cool

When the temperature is at its hottest, keep your blinds drawn and use insulated draperies. 

This will keep the sunlight from warming your space and making your air conditioner work harder to pump out the cool air.

But in the early morning, or when the sun goes down, taking advantage of those cool breezy nights can go a long way by letting in a bit of fresh air as well as saving on electricity in summer.

#9: Swap Out Light Bulbs and Appliances Where You Can

Did you know that simply changing your light bulbs is one of the easiest ways to keep electric bills down in summer?

Swapping out light bulbs for energy-efficient models, such as LED or compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL) can save you up to $75 a year, according to NerdWallet. 

Be sure to look for the Energy Star label when choosing your bulbs.

Energy Star is a label of recommendation given by the US Environmental Protection Agency to products meeting the rigorous energy-efficiency guidelines set forth in order to reduce greenhouse emissions. 

Energy Star bulbs:

• Have significantly longer life spans over standard light bulbs

• Are better for the planet

• Have increased efficiency

• Can potentially save you $50 throughout the lifetime of the bulb.

Plus, they don't emit the same kind of heat that other bulbs do, so they’re a real team player when it comes to keeping your home cooler in the summer months.

#10: Cook Outdoors

A final tip on how to lower electric bills in summer is to try to do as much of your cooking as you can outdoors.

In this day and age, there are plenty of alternatives available to help you avoid using your oven, so you can keep the heat outside.

Take grilling, for example.

Who can resist summer treats like burgers and grilled corn on the cob?

And don’t forget about:

• Toaster ovens.

• Crockpots.

• Air fryers.

Not only are they light on electricity, but they are easily moved outside, so you can avoid heating up your home.

How Your Electricity Plan Could Help You With Saving On Electricity In Summer

Tired of seeing your electric bill skyrocket when it’s hot out? 

Putting some of our tips into action could show you a significant reduction in your monthly electricity costs.

And at Gexa Energy, we can help you save even more.

We offer a wide range of low-priced electricity plans, each designed to meet your individual needs. 

Plus, you’ll be glad to hear that all of our Gexa Energy residential plans are 100% green - at no extra cost to you. 

Get in touch with Gexa today and let us help you choose the electricity plan that is right for you.

* Happiness Guarantee - If you’re not happy with your new Gexa Energy residential plan, just call us within 60 days of your service activation date, change to another available Gexa Energy plan, and we’ll waive the early cancellation fee on your first plan; applies one time only for new Gexa Energy residential customers. Your contract term will restart with your second plan. Offer subject to change or withdrawal prior to customer acceptance.