Summer Energy Survival Guide: Top Savings Tips

When temperatures climb, staying comfortable can quickly get expensive. At APG&E, we help customers make smart choices about their energy use—and their electricity plan—so summer bills feel more manageable.

This guide covers practical steps you can take right now to use less electricity, keep your home cooler, and reduce the stress that comes with peak-summer usage.

1. Get more from your cooling system

Air conditioning is often the biggest driver of summer electricity use. A few small adjustments can make a noticeable difference.

Set the thermostat with a strategy

A good starting point is 78 degrees when you're home and awake. When you're away or sleeping, raise it by 7-10 degrees. Even modest changes can add up over a full season.

If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, use schedules so the temperature shifts automatically—especially during the hottest part of the afternoon.

Keep your AC running efficiently

• Change filters regularly: every 30-90 days is typical, depending on the filter type and your home.

• Clear the outdoor unit: keep plants, leaves, and debris away so it can release heat effectively.

• Get a seasonal tune-up: a technician can spot issues that quietly waste energy. 

If you're cooling one room, a properly sized window unit is often more efficient than a portable unit. And when it's time to replace equipment, look for high-efficiency models (such as ENERGY STAR certified options) to reduce long-term costs.

2. Use fans and airflow to your advantage

Fans don't lower the room temperature, but they make you feel cooler by moving air across your skin.

• Ceiling fans: set them to spin counterclockwise in summer for a cooling breeze.
• Turn fans off when you leave: they cool people, not empty rooms.

When evenings and mornings are cooler, open windows on opposite sides of your home to create cross-ventilation. This can flush out hot air so your AC doesn't have to work as hard later.

3. Keep heat from getting inside

The easiest heat to remove is the heat that never enters your home in the first place.

Block solar heat through windows

Close blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day—especially on west-facing windows. If you have them, reflective shades or blackout curtains can help even more.

Seal leaks

Warm outdoor air can sneak in through gaps around doors, windows, and attic access points. Quick weekend fixes like caulk and weatherstripping can improve comfort and reduce wasted cooling.

Check insulation (especially the attic)

If your upstairs rooms feel consistently hotter, attic insulation can make a big difference by slowing down heat transfer from the roof into your living space.

4. Cut hidden summer energy costs

Manage humidity

High humidity makes rooms feel warmer and can push you to lower the thermostat more than necessary. Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans when needed, and consider a dehumidifier if your home stays muggy.

Reduce heat from appliances

• Run the dishwasher and dryer later in the evening if you can.
• Use a microwave, air fryer, or grill instead of the oven on hot days.
• Turn off lights and electronics you're not using—many add surprising heat.

Think about timing

In many areas, electricity demand spikes in the late afternoon and early evening. Shifting energy-heavy chores to off-peak hours can help you use less during the most intense part of the day.

Bring it all together with the right plan

Energy-saving habits are powerful on their own—but your electricity plan matters, too. If you're in a deregulated market where you can choose your retail electricity provider, comparing plan options can be a smart part of your summer strategy.

Conclusion

Summer doesn't have to mean out-of-control electric bills. Start with thermostat habits and filter changes, add sealing and window management, and then build from there with longer-term upgrades. When you're ready, pairing these steps with an electricity plan that fits your lifestyle can help you stay comfortable all season.