Get Summer-Ready While Cutting Emissions and Bills

Take outs:

• Simple adjustments can significantly cut summer energy costs. Actions like sealing drafts, adjusting thermostats, and using LED bulbs improve comfort and reduce utility bills.
  
  
• Investing in efficiency upgrades boosts savings and resilience. Insulation, better windows, and ENERGY STAR appliances help retain cool air and lower long-term cooling costs.
  
  
• Government incentives can make going green more affordable. With tax credits and rebates available, now's a great time to upgrade your home sustainably and save money.  

Get Summer-Ready While Cutting Emissions and Bills

Making your home greener this summer isn’t just about staying cool—it’s about lowering your bills and reducing your environmental impact at the same time. While businesses are under growing pressure to curb emissions, individuals can also make powerful changes starting right at home.

Why Act Now?

With cooling systems accounting for a significant portion of household energy use, summer can drive up electricity costs—especially in homes that leak cool air. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, air conditioning alone accounts for about 12% of home energy use. The good news? There are practical, affordable ways to cut back on energy use and improve your home’s efficiency.

Quick, Low-cost Ways to Stay Cool and Save

If a full renovation isn't in the cards, small adjustments can still make a noticeable difference:

• Close curtains and blinds during the day to block out heat.
• Seal gaps around windows and doors to keep cool air in.
• Use fans to supplement air conditioning and improve airflow.
• Raise your thermostat to the recommended  78°F (25–26°C) when you're home and even higher when you're away. 
• Switch to LED light bulbs, which emit less heat and use less energy. 
• Limit hot water usage—cold showers and cold-water laundry cycles can reduce overall energy strain.  

Upgrade for Bigger Summer Savings

If you're ready to invest in long-term improvements, summer is the ideal time to prepare your home for higher temperatures: 

• Insulation: Proper insulation keeps the cool air in and the heat out—saving on cooling costs year after year. 
• Windows: Up to 30% of your home’s cooling energy can be lost through inefficient windows. Consider double glazing or installing thermal curtains or reflective window film.
• Energy-efficient appliances: Look for the ENERGY STAR label when upgrading air conditioners, ceiling fans, and refrigerators to boost efficiency and reduce costs over time.

Take Advantage of Rebates and Incentives

Federal and state programs offer a range of incentives for green upgrades—from tax credits for solar installations to rebates on high-efficiency appliances and insulation. The Inflation Reduction Act has expanded opportunities for homeowners to receive financial support for sustainable improvements. Check with your local utility or state energy office to see what’s available in your area.

The Takeaway

Improving your home’s energy efficiency this summer isn’t just good for your wallet—it’s a smart step toward a cleaner, more resilient future. Whether you’re starting with easy wins or investing in long-term upgrades, every action you take helps your home stay comfortable while reducing your environmental footprint.

The information in this article was sourced from AFG. Any advice/information contained in this article is of a general nature only and does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person or company. Therefore, before making any decision, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice with regard to those matters. The article has been written for general informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. We encourage you to consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisers before engaging in any transaction. Information in this article is correct as of the date of publication and is subject to change.