Ask the Expert: Beating the Heat Without Breaking Your Budget
A stretch of 90+ degree days can send your electric bill climbing fast, and if you're watching your bill skyrocket just to keep the house cool, you're not alone. We asked energy expert, George Wood, to answer SSA members’ questions about practical ways to cut costs this summer. Part 1 focuses on quick daily habits and part 2 (coming soon) dives into bigger long-term upgrades.
George has worked in residential, multi family, commercial and industrial energy efficiency for over 20 years. His pioneering work in residential energy efficiency featured Home Energy Parties where hosts and guests would attend an informal talk on practical, often low-budget ways to cut energy costs.
Q: What's the fastest way to lower my bill using my thermostat?
A: Your thermostat is your wallet's best friend, but only if you're actively managing or programming it. Small adjustments make a bigger dent than most people expect.
On a 90° day, raising your thermostat setting by just one degree can save 3% or more on your electric bill.
If you're away at work during a 90° day, bumping the setting up 7 to 10 degrees while you're out can save as much as 10% on your bill.
Here's what that looks like for a real bill: on a $300 monthly AC bill, raising the thermostat just one degree could save you roughly $9 a month. Bump it up 7 to 10 degrees while you're at work, and you could be looking at savings closer to $30 a month, over $100 across a typical summer.
The easiest way to make these adjustments without having to is to install a smart thermostat and use the eco mode or away mode setting. It automatically raises the temperature when you leave and adjusts it back down before you return, so you get the savings without having to remember to change it yourself.
Q: What should I do with my windows in extreme heat?
How you manage windows throughout the day can make a big difference in how hard your AC works:
Close and lock all windows to keep cool air in.
In the morning, pull the shades on any south- and west-facing windows before the sun heats up the interior of the house.
If the nighttime temperature drops below 65°F and humidity is below 60%, consider opening windows and turning the AC off overnight.
If windows are open, place a box fan facing outward in one window to push hot air out of the room.
Q: What are some quick, low-cost fixes I can make around my house to save money on hot days?
A handful of small, inexpensive fixes can add up over the course of a summer, and most take less than an afternoon:
Seal air leaks with caulk and weatherstripping
Switch entirely to LED light bulbs. They use about 75% less energy and give off very little extra heat.
Insulate your hot water heater.
Replace your HVAC air filter monthly to maintain airflow and reduce strain on your system.
Clear dirt, leaves, and debris from your outdoor AC condenser unit so it can release heat efficiently.
Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise in summer. It creates a breeze that makes the room feel cooler.
Up next in Part 2 of our ask the expert: whether an energy audit is worth it, which bigger upgrades pay off, and how to find financing to help cover the cost.
