ZenPayDay Money Tip
Three Free Moves Today That Shrink Your Cooling Bill
Here are three things you can do before dinner tonight.
Heads up, June is when cooling quietly becomes the biggest line on the power bill — and most of the fix is habits, not hardware.
Here are three things you can do before dinner tonight.
Today’s big idea · Energy
Set the thermostat a few degrees higher when nobody’s home
up to 10%/yr
Free — takes 2 min
How to put it into practice
Work down the list in order — the quick wins at the bottom take a minute each.
Raise the AC setpoint 7–10°F for the hours nobody’s home — schedule it once if your thermostat allows
up to 10% off heating & cooling
Close blinds and curtains on sun-facing windows before you leave in the morning
free, takes 1 min
Shift the dishwasher and laundry to after dark — off-peak rates, less daytime heat
varies by utility
Quick wins
- Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise in summer feels ~4°F cooler
- Swap the HVAC filter if it’s been 3+ months easier airflow
- Grill or microwave on hot days — keep the oven off less for the AC to fight
- Ask your utility about free off-peak or smart-thermostat programs takes 5 min