How to lower your electricity bill this summer

This summer looks to be a scorcher: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) seasonal outlook is forecasting above-normal temperatures across much of the United States, especially in the West and the Pacific Northwest.

Last week, a strong high-pressure system known as a "heat dome" contributed to a significant heat wave across the central and eastern United States. Many areas reached the 90s, and some locations exceeded 100°F over Independence Day weekend.

The addition of high humidity made conditions feel even hotter.

The timing couldn't be worse, as energy costs are on track to reach record highs this summer. Americans will spend an average of $792 on electricity between June and September, according to a new analysis from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), a 10.5% uptick from the same period in 2025.

"Families are getting hit from both sides," NEADA executive director Mark Wolfe said in a statement. "Electricity prices continue to rise, and hotter summers mean households need to use more electricity simply to stay safe."

The same NEADA report indicated that one in six U.S. households is behind on its utility bills. By the end of the year, total consumer utility debt in the U.S. is projected to reach a record $25 billion.

Some of the best ways to save on energy — adding solar panels, replacing windows, adding geothermal pumps — are quite expensive. Fortunately, there are lower-cost interventions that cut energy costs, too. 

1. Install smart thermostats

This time of year, air conditioning is probably the biggest factor in your energy bill. When you're out, remotely setting your thermostat even a few degrees higher (around 76°–78°F rather than 72 °- 74°F) can noticeably reduce energy use without making you uncomfortable when you get home.

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat can learn daily routines to build personalized, energy-efficient programs for your household when you're at home, away or asleep. According to Google, users save an average of 10% to 12% on heating and 15% on cooling per year, or between $131 and $145.

2. Use smart plugs

Smart tech isn't relegated to thermometers: The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (EP25) can control any device it's plugged into via your phone, tablet or voice assistant. Smart plugs can also turn off devices that continue to draw power even when they're not in use, like laptops, coffee machines and microwaves.

3. Pre-cooling 

Energy companies often have time-of-use (TOU) rate plans that charge significantly more during specific peak afternoon and evening blocks. Depending on your home, the weather and your energy company, turning the AC on a few hours before the peak period and turning it off after the higher rate starts — a strategy known as "pre-cooling" — could save you 10% to 20% on your overall summer cooling costs. 

You can set up a pre-cooling system with your smart thermostat and then forget about it.

A good ceiling fan, like the Honeywell Carmel indoor fan, will help distribute already-cooled air more evenly, reducing hot spots, removing heat from your body and making you feel cooler faster.

4. Break your home into zones

Another way to cut down on energy use is by zoning your home. Instead of cooling the entire house, focus only on the areas you're in. Install thermostats on different floors and close doors and vents in rooms you're not using.

5. Use a cash-back credit card that rewards utility payments

Paying your utility bills with a cash-back card that earns rewards can earn you a statement credit you can put toward future bills.

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose, including home utilities.

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