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Stop Sweating Your Next Utility Bill

July 13, 2018 Fourteen tips to cool things down Remember when it seemed like we only had 90+ degree days in August? Considering how many we already had in JUNE, you might be a little nervous about getting through the rest of this summer with your utility budget intact. Here are some tips that can help lower your bill without turning your family into a sweaty puddle.
  1. Get an AC tune-up. If you haven’t already done this, call your service resource pronto. They’ll make sure your system is running as efficiently — read CHEAPLY — as possible.
  2. Get on an average billing plan. This tip won’t lower your bill, but you’ll know exactly what you need to budget for each month.
  3. Schedule an energy audit. Many utility companies have free or very inexpensive audit programs to uncover problem areas in your home.
  4. Set the AC temperature a few degrees higher. Sure, 68 degrees is delightfully cool, but it’s also expensive. Nudge your thermostat up a few degrees and see what you can tolerate. Even a couple degrees can save you money.
  5. Get a programmable thermostat. This makes it easy to manage temps throughout the day. Try setting your thermostat in the high 70s while you’re out, then turning the temp down once you’re home. Your AC won’t have to go into overdrive to cool a day’s worth of heat, but won’t be running as hard throughout the day.
  6. Open your windows. The experts at recommend opening the lowest window on the coolest side of your house and the highest windows. Hot air will go out the top window and create a vacuum that pulls cool air from the first floor.1
  7. Use fans. Ever notice how airflow can make you feel cooler? Consider adding a ceiling fan and, if it’s not too hot and humid, put fans in your windows, especially at night. You’ll be amazed at how much more comfortable you are.
  8. Stop cooking. (Is this your favorite tip yet?) Use the grill or, better yet, find recipes that require little to no cooking — like using great farmer’s market produce that doesn’t need much prep. Don’t rely too heavily on take-out or you’ll cancel out anything you’re saving on utilities.
  9. Stay in the dark. Keep the shades down and invest in better shades that really keep out the light. Consider adding outdoor features like awnings and greenery to keep your house cooler.
  10. Close your vents. Have a room or area you’re not using? Close the vents and the doors to that space.
  11. Stay downstairs. Your basement and your first floor will be much cooler than your upstairs. And, hey, that couch could be more (or less!) comfortable to sleep on than you think.
  12. Get a clothesline. Does anything smell better than sheets that have dried out in the fresh air? You’ll save energy and keep your house cooler to boot.
  13. Rediscover the joy of popsicles. Go ahead, try it!  
  14. Sign up for renewable energy. Ok, this one won’t lower your expenses, but it will make you feel good. Many utility companies have this option for part, or all, of your bill.
Don’t sweat your utility bill! Own your summer with these great tips. Smart money tips brought to you by  , Summit’s exclusive financial wellness program. You might also be interested in Financial success isn’t how much money you have — it’s feeling good about what you’re doing with the money you have. Here are some tips on how to prioritize your debts and bills, negotiate with creditors and get your late payments back on solid ground. Even in these challenging times, there's  whole lot of good happening! At Summit, we've always believed financial success happens together and that's been truer than ever this past month. Here's what "together" has meant for our community. Navigating finances after college is hard, but you can take it one lesson at a time. Get tips for managing money and paying off student debt after graduation. Navigating finances after college is hard, but you can take it one lesson at a time. Get tips for managing money and paying off student debt after graduation. If you’re not sure if something is a scam, it’s ALWAYS better to act like it could be! Fraudsters are always coming up with creative new ways to steal from you and quick to take advantage of a crisis. Here are some of the most popular recent scams to watch for. With a little planning, you may be able to actually save a little money during the holidays. Check out these tips to keep costs down without missing out on the holiday fun. Some scams go right for your money; others try to get you to part with personal information – like account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, and personal identification numbers (PINs). Find out what you should look for and how to protect yourself. The holidays can be stressful & that’s why it’s important to prioritize your self-care. Use these tips to reduce stress without draining your bank account. Your home is your castle, your refuge and—let’s face it—a place where it can be very easy to sink a big chunk of money. Which is why you’re always on the lookout for “sweet spots”:  those home improvements that add comfort, safety or a little zing of style while you’re living in your house and will boost the asking price when it’s time to sell. And if you can find a way to save money on those improvements or cut home expenses at the same time, well that sweet spot just got a little sweeter! Featured Products Certificates Checking Accounts Home Equity Loans Home Loans Business Banking Certificates Checking Accounts Home Equity Loans Home Loans Business Banking Financial Education Upcoming Events Programs Tools & Calculators On-demand Webinars Podcasts Upcoming Events Programs Tools & Calculators On-demand Webinars Podcasts About Equity in Money™ About Summit Careers News Community Giving Equity in Money™ About Summit Careers News Community Giving Help & Support Contact Us Member Support Center Schedule an Appointment Find a Branch Contact Us Member Support Center Schedule an Appointment Find a Branch Please read the following before proceeding to: The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. NCUA Insurance Estimator Privacy, Security & Accessibility Rates, Fees, Terms & Disclosures Routing Number *  The Wisconsin's #1 Mortgage Lender designation is based on the number of loans in 2022, gathered from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data compiled annually by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The results of the data were obtained through the LEI: 254900NTAC4H10MGSU23 **  SBA Lender of the Year Award for Credit Unions as awarded by the Small Business Administration of Wisconsin in 2023. Copyright 2024 © Summit Credit Union. All rights reserved. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 608-243-5000 for assistance. Insured by NCUA