Summer electricity usage often spikes due to increased air conditioning use and longer daylight hours. As energy consumption peaks with higher-than-average energy usage, many will start to wonder, “Why is my electric bill so high in the summer?”
Many appliances and devices in the home contribute to overall energy consumption and may vary based on the time of year. By keeping an eye on how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) they’re using, and when they’re using the most, they can start cutting back and lowering their monthly bills.
Here Is Why Your Electric Bill Is so High in the Summer
Air Conditioner
The greatest electricity expense incurred within homes stems from heating and cooling, most often associated with the air conditioner or HVAC system. Everyone likes to be comfortable, whether during the cold or when things turn sultry; however, there are ways to reduce electricity usage due to air conditioning:
- Raise the temperature when you’re away. During hot stretches, adjust the thermostat setting upward by about 10 degrees during the day when the house is empty. This reduces the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, easing the workload on your cooling system and cutting energy use.
- Use programmable thermostats. Installing a programmable thermostat lets you automatically increase the temperature when no one’s home and cool things down before you return. This is especially helpful for weekends away or extended vacations.
- Set an efficient home temperature. When you’re at home, aim to keep the thermostat around 78 degrees and use fans to stay comfortable. Every time you raise the temperature by three degrees in summer, you can save roughly 10 — 15% on cooling costs.
- Take advantage of natural heat in cooler months. Open blinds or curtains during the day to let sunlight warm your home, then close them at night to retain that warmth, helping you stay comfortable without using extra electricity.
- Seal air leaks with caulk to boost efficiency. Small gaps around windows, doors, and vents let cool air escape, forcing the AC to work harder and use more electricity. By sealing those leaks with caulk, they can keep conditioned air inside, reduce wasted energy, and lower their electric bill.
Water Heater – Save Summer Electricity by Turning Down the Heat
The second item that most people overlook, which runs regardless of whether someone is at home or not, is the electric water heater. Adjusting the setting on the water heater to a lower temperature helps you save money on electricity in the summer. Though most heaters are initially set to 140 degrees, the recommended water temperature is typically 120 degrees.
Consider that a hot tub is typically 103 degrees, which is plenty hot for most people. For every ten degrees that you turn it down, you can save extra money!
However, when adjusting the water heater’s temperature setting, it is important to only turn it down one or two degrees at a time to prevent it from going into an “emergency electric draw.” Turn it down slowly, let it adjust to that temperature, then turn it down a bit more.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators and other appliances are the third-largest consumers of electricity in a home. Older refrigerators that are poorly insulated can also become energy hogs when it comes to electricity usage.
To cut down on this usage, make sure the refrigerator is set at the optimal temperature. If you keep an extra refrigerator in the garage, be aware that it uses a lot of electricity because garages typically are very warm, and therefore, it takes a lot more electricity to keep that refrigerator cool. If you really want to cut costs, eliminate the refrigerator in the garage.
For those willing to make an investment to save electricity, there has been a gradual shift toward energy-efficient appliances. Currently on the market are several devices that minimize the amount of electricity required to operate.
To spot an energy-efficient appliance, look for an Energy Star label, which serves as certification of a product’s efficiency and positive environmental impact.
Washers and Dryers
Whether the temperature outside is hot or cold, washers and clothes dryers are appliances that most households use every week. While they do enable effective cleaning of clothes, the process requires electricity to heat the circulating water.
As clothes are cleaned, the machines release energy in the form of heat, which then disperses in the house. As a countermeasure to combat the increased temperatures, people use air conditioning, but it consumes more electricity and contributes to high electricity bills.
You can reduce this monthly expense in several ways:
- Optimize your load size. Maximize each wash or dry cycle without overloading the machine. Filling it to the top reduces efficiency, strains the motor, and often means clothes don’t get fully cleaned or dried, leading to repeat cycles that waste energy and water.
- Air-dry whenever possible. Hanging clothes to dry on a line or drying rack cuts electricity use and helps garments last longer by avoiding the wear and heat of the dryer.
Lighting
As the most obvious consumer of electricity, light bulbs can use a considerable amount of energy. This is particularly true given the kind of bulb used. Though there has been a widespread move away from standard incandescent bulbs, many homes still rely on them to illuminate rooms. Incandescent lights contribute to temperature increases as a significant portion of the electricity used is redistributed as heat energy instead of light.
Not only are incandescent light bulbs the most inefficient, they also have the shortest lifespan. If they are the predominant type of bulb used, incandescents can raise the cost of the electric bill. There are now energy-efficient bulbs that can greatly reduce the amount of electricity used and the expense of doing so. This is best done through the use of LED bulbs, which can last longer than incandescent or compact fluorescent bulbs.
LEDs provide a range of other benefits, including reductions in the heat that is radiated and improved performance in extreme weather conditions. In addition to these steps, you can also cut down on your power bill by planning activities that heat up the house, like cooking, for times when it is cooler outside.
In the warmer months, consider cooking meals ahead of time early in the morning or at night after the sun has set to avoid overworking the air conditioner. On colder days, meals can be prepared as people remain in their homes for long stretches in order to provide spaces with a useful supply of heat.
Other Appliances and Devices That Can Raise Your Electric Bill
While air conditioners, water heaters, and refrigerators are the main culprits behind high summer energy bills, several other household devices quietly contribute to rising costs. Many of these draw power even when you’re not actively using them. These devices and appliances include:
- Pool pumps and filtration systems. If you own a pool, the pump and filter system likely runs several hours a day to keep the water clean. Older or oversized pumps can consume large amounts of electricity, sometimes as much as your air conditioner. Consider upgrading to an energy-efficient or variable-speed pump to reduce operating costs.
- Older or inefficient ceiling fans. Ceiling fans are great for circulation, but older models with outdated motors or unbalanced blades can waste energy. Modern ENERGY STAR®-rated fans use up to 60% less power and provide stronger airflow.
- Dishwashers. Running dishwashers on heat-dry or high-temperature settings adds to your energy usage. The heating element used for drying consumes a lot of power, especially when running multiple loads each week. Opt for the air-dry or “eco” setting instead.
- Home entertainment systems. Televisions, gaming consoles, sound systems, and streaming devices draw power constantly, sometimes even when turned off. Many of these stay in standby mode to enable instant-on features. Unplug them when not in use, or use smart power strips to cut standby energy loss.
- Computers and office equipment. Laptops, monitors, printers, and Wi-Fi routers can consume more power than you think, especially if you work from home. Keeping electronics on 24/7 increases electricity usage. Powering down or using energy-saving modes can make a noticeable difference.
- Electric ovens and stovetops. Cooking indoors during summer makes your home hotter, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Electric ovens and stovetops consume significant energy, especially when preheating. Cooking outdoors or using smaller appliances like air fryers, toaster ovens, or slow cookers can help you consume less energy.
- Clothes irons and hair styling tools. Small appliances like irons and hair dryers heat up quickly but use high wattage. Repeated daily use can add up quietly, especially in large households. Turning them off immediately after use and avoiding standby heating modes helps reduce waste.
- Electric vehicle chargers. EV owners often see high bills in the summer when charging their vehicles at home. Charging during off-peak hours, typically late at night, can help minimize costs if your utility company offers time-of-use pricing.
How Payless Power Can Help You Take Control of Your Energy Use
Rising summer temperatures don’t have to mean higher rates. While air conditioners, water heaters, and large appliances are the biggest power users, new everyday devices like smart home assistants, gaming consoles, streaming devices, and even always-on chargers also add to your monthly electric bill.
Payless Power can help make a real difference. With prepaid electricity plans, homeowners can actively monitor their daily energy usage, electricity rates, and spending in real time, meaning no surprises when the power bill arrives. Payless Power’s tools help you spot unusual spikes, identify which habits or appliances drive electricity costs higher, and make quick adjustments that keep your home comfortable without overspending.
Take control of your energy costs before the next heat wave hits. Sign up with Payless Power today to start tracking, managing, and saving on your electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does running ceiling fans help lower my energy bill even if the AC is on?
Yes. Ceiling fans don’t actually cool the air, but they circulate it, creating a wind-chill effect that makes rooms feel several degrees cooler. This allows you to raise your thermostat setting, reducing AC usage, without losing comfort.
Are smart plugs and power strips worth using in the summer?
Absolutely. Smart plugs and energy-efficient power strips can cut off “phantom loads” from electronics that draw power even when turned off, like TVs, chargers, and gaming consoles. Over time, that wasted standby power adds up, especially during high-demand summer months.
How much do modern electronics like gaming systems or streaming devices affect my electric bill?
More than most people realize. Devices that stay plugged in 24/7 can consume 10 — 15% of a home’s total energy use. Gaming consoles and streaming devices are especially power-hungry when left in standby mode, so unplug them or use smart outlets to minimize waste.
Can energy-efficient upgrades really make a difference during peak summer months?
Yes. Investing in energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and smart thermostats can lower your energy consumption year-round. During the summer, these upgrades ease the load on your cooling system, reduce power spikes, and lead to long-term savings on your electric bill.
Plus, you can consider using renewable energy like solar power to provide electricity to some gadgets in your home. Consider working with professionals to perform a home energy audit and help you install solar panels on your home.
