How to Lower Your Utility Bills This Summer Without Sacrificing Comfort

mrlegins
Jun 30
2 min read

Summer heat is no joke — and neither is the cost of staying comfortable when your home isn’t energy-efficient. Whether you have central air, window units, or no A/C at all, there are smart steps you can take to cut your costs while keeping cool.

At Detroit Home Builders, we work with homeowners every day to make older homes more efficient, functional, and affordable to maintain. Here are our top tips:

1. Seal Up Air Leaks

Windows and doors are the #1 place cold air escapes. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or even a draft stopper to close the gaps.💡 Pro Tip: You can do a quick test by holding a lit incense stick near window edges — if the smoke moves, there’s a leak.

2. Switch Your Fan Direction

Ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air down. It helps you feel 3-4 degrees cooler without lowering the thermostat.

3. Block the Sun During Peak Hours

Keep blinds or blackout curtains closed from 10am–4pm, especially on south- and west-facing windows. Light-colored curtains reflect more heat.

4. Use Your Thermostat Strategically

If you have central air, set your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and 85°F when you’re away.💡 Don’t crank it lower when you get home — it doesn’t cool faster, just runs longer.

5. Clean or Replace Your Filters

Dirty filters restrict airflow and make your system work harder. Whether it’s a window unit or central HVAC, check your filter monthly in summer.

6. Check for Appliance Heat Buildup

Ovens, dryers, and incandescent bulbs all give off excess heat. Use LED lighting, air-dry clothes when you can, and try grilling outdoors instead of baking inside.

Bonus:

Insulation = Long-Term Savings

If your attic or walls aren’t properly insulated, you’re throwing money away. Insulation upgrades are one of the best long-term investments in lowering utility bills.