Posted: July 27, 2026
Energy costs continue to strain household budgets, and summer heat only adds to the challenge. When temperatures climb into the 90s in June—in Vermont, no less—and humidity settles in, it’s easy to worry about how high your next electric bill will be.
The good news? You don’t have to choose between staying comfortable and keeping your cooling costs under control. Here are X simple changes that can help your home stay cooler, reduce the strain on your air conditioning system, and keep more money in your pocket all summer long.
Most modern homes have at least one tool at their disposal that can help make their home more comfortable year-round while maximizing efficiency and lowering energy use. That tool is your thermostat. Even an old, dial-style thermostat will do the job, but a smart thermostat gives you more control and savings.
The secret is to set your thermostat at 78. The smaller the difference between your indoor and outdoor temperature, the lower your cooling bill will be. That temperature may seem high, but keep in mind that the humidity plays a big part in how uncomfortable you feel when it’s hot. Setting your thermostat higher and reducing the humidity in your home will make a big difference.
If you set your thermostat for 10 degrees warmer when you’re not home, you’ll lower your cooling bills even more. And, with a programable thermostat, you can set your thermostat to lower the temperature a half hour before you get home. If you have pets at home, you may want to set it only five degrees warmer.
With energy prices up, you’ll notice higher bills no matter what. But taking care of your cooling system with regular maintenance and tune-ups will ensure that it is performing at peak efficiency. That means it won’t have to work so hard to keep your home comfortable, which uses less energy.
There’s no bad time for a tune-up—even if it feels like summer is half over, you’ll still reap the benefits. And as our techs check and recalibrate your system, they’ll be fixing small problems so they don’t turn into expensive breakdowns during the next heat wave.
Even if you’re conscientious about getting a tune-up every year, there are easy things you can do to help extend the benefits. You should change or clean the filters in your air conditioner every 45 to 90 days when you’re running it regularly—more if you have fur-shedding pets. Use your vacuum cleaner to make sure vents are dust free, and be sure furniture, carpet or drapery is not blocking them.
Keeping the heat out is the best way to keep your home cooler—which means you may not need to run your cooling system as hard. Try these no or low-cost tips:
Ready for a new central air system? Considering a super-efficient mini split system for your home? Need a repair? The pros at Roberts Energy have decades of experience helping families in northern Vermont keep their homes comfortable. Whether you have cooling equipment questions, or need equipment installation or service, Roberts’ team is here for you.
Contact us for more information today.
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