11 Ways to Lower Your Summer Electric Bills

4. If you have a ceiling fan, use it

The Energy Department says that if you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will let you raise the thermostat about four degrees (at least in those rooms that have one) in the summer. Fans that carry the Energy Star label move air 20 percent more efficiently than those that don't. In the summer, you should set ceiling fans to go counter-clockwise to blow air downward, according to Home Depot.

5. Upgrade your appliances

Sure, that old refrigerator has been running since 1953. But it’s probably sucking up a lot of juice while it’s cooling your beer. New appliances with the Energy Star designation are more efficient than average appliances. Energy Star televisions, for example, use 3 watts or less when they are turned off, which is about 50 percent less than average. The Environmental Protection Agency keeps a list of the most energy-efficient appliances. 

6. Lower the temperature on your water heater

Hot water is a wonderful thing, but it accounts for about 18 percent of energy use. You shouldn't heat water to more than 120 degrees to prevent scalding. If your setting is higher, turn it down. And you probably don't want a steaming hot shower in July, anyway.

7. Use LED lights 

Bulbs that use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) use 75 percent less energy than comparable incandescent bulbs. They last up to 25 times longer, too. You can find them in a wide array of sizes, brightnesses and colors. And, while they are a bit more expensive than incandescent bulbs, their price has been falling as more people use them.

8. Get out of the house

Specifically, get outside and use the grill. An indoor stove can raise your temperature as much as 10 degrees. Just don't leave the door open while you're grilling. You don't want to air-condition the whole neighborhood.

9. Ask for discounts

Your electric company may offer discounts for those with low income or disabilities. It may also offer incentives to reduce your energy usage on summer days when energy demand is highest, typically between noon and 8 p.m. Florida Power & Light, for example, offers a Time of Use Rate, which charges more during peak hours and less during off-peak hours, which encourages customers to use more power in off-peak hours and less during peak hours. 

10. Use your major appliances wisely

Run full loads of laundry and use cold water when you can. Run your dishwasher only when it's full, and use air dry, rather than heated dry. If you have an electric oven (and you can't grill), use the microwave instead. And clean the lint trap on your dryer: You’ll save money and your dryer will last longer.

11. Cast a shadow on your house

There’s a reason it’s cooler in the shade. Plant trees and shrubs on the south and west sides of your house — or near your outside air conditioning unit — and you can make your cooling systems 10 percent more efficient, according to Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships.