When temperatures rise, so can your energy bill. But saving energy during the summer months doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. Even if you’re running the A/C or powering up your home office, there are simple, cost-effective ways to stay cool and energy efficient.
Here are our top tips to help you save energy—and money—this summer.
1. Use fans to your advantage
Use fans to circulate cool air in your space, because ceiling fans and standing fans use far less electricity than air conditioners. If you do use the A/C, setting your thermostat a few degrees higher and using a fan to stay comfortable can make a big difference in your energy use.
Energy tip:
Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It won’t cool your home faster and could result in excessive cooling and a higher bill.
2. Close the curtains and blinds during the day
Windows can let in a surprising amount of heat. Keep curtains or shades closed during the hottest part of the day to block out the sun and reduce indoor temperatures, especially if your windows face west or south.
Bonus tip
Consider installing light-colored or reflective window coverings to bounce heat away.
3. Use appliances strategically
Summer is the perfect time to rethink when and how you use major appliances:
- Run your dishwasher and laundry machines during early morning or late evening hours to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates.
- Skip the heat-dry setting for your dishwasher, and let the dishes air dry instead.
- Air dry clothes when possible—your clothes dryer generates a lot of heat!
4. Cook smarter
Your oven can heat up your whole kitchen. To reduce your energy use, cook outside on a grill, use a microwave, or prep cold meals when possible. Slow cookers, toaster ovens, and air fryers are also energy-efficient alternatives to ovens.
5. Keep your A/C in top shape
If you rely on an air conditioner, make sure it’s running efficiently:
- Change your air filter every 1–3 months.
- Make sure the vents are clean and unblocked.
- If your A/C unit is older, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model.
Fun fact
ENERGY STAR® certified A/C units use up to 15% less energy than standard models.
6. Sign up for flex alerts and Power Saver Rewards
On high-demand days, flex alerts encourage Californians to conserve electricity to help prevent power outages. By making small changes, such as shifting your energy use outside of 4–9 p.m., you’ll help support the grid. You may even qualify for bill credits through programs like Power Saver Rewards.
Small changes. Big impact.
By making smart choices around when and how you use energy, you can stay comfortable this summer and reduce your energy bills—all while helping create a cleaner future for our community.
Need help getting started? Check out our Rebate Finder or explore clean energy resources.
