Ceiling fans can make a room feel cooler. But they do not actually lower the temperature in that space. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fans create a wind-chill effect that helps people feel cooler. The room itself does not become cooler. In fact, DOE says, ceiling fans may allow homeowners to raise the thermostat setting by about 4 degrees in the summer without reducing comfort. That means a fan saves energy only when people are there to enjoy the breeze. Running a ceiling fan in an empty room does not improve comfort and uses electricity unnecessarily. Also, did you know that you need to change the direction that your fan blades spin every spring and fall?  During summer, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise. That pushes air downward and creates the cooling effect people feel. Running them in the wrong direction for the season won’t keep you comfortable.

When an electric bill suddenly rises, many people assume their electric cooperative raised its rates. Sometimes that’s the case. But more often, the biggest reason is simple: You used more electricity. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, nearly 90% of U.S. households use air conditioning. During hot weather, cooling systems run longer and more often. Even if the price of electricity stays the same, using more electricity means a higher bill. Heat waves can have a bigger effect than you might realize. A few extra days of very hot weather may cause an air conditioner to run for hours longer each day. Refrigerators, freezers and dehumidifiers may also work harder during extreme heat. If your bill seems unusually high, compare your electricity use with the same month last year. Most utility bills show the number of kilowatt-hours used. That number can tell you whether the increase came from higher use, higher rates or a combination of both. You can also look for simple causes if you notice an unexpected jump in your energy use. A clogged air filter, a thermostat set a few degrees lower than usual or windows receiving direct afternoon sun can all increase cooling costs.  The next time your electric bill arrives, don't just look at the amount due. Check how much electricity you used. The answer to a higher bill is often hiding in that number.

Smart thermostats promise to help homeowners save energy while keeping their homes comfortable. But are they worth the investment? The short answer: They’re worth it. Unlike traditional thermostats, smart models connect to home wi-fi and can be controlled through a smartphone app. Many also “learn” a household’s schedule and automatically adjust temperatures when people are asleep or away. When a smart thermostat lowers or raises the temperature for several hours a day, it can reduce heating and cooling costs. Because smart thermostats automate these adjustments, they can help households maintain energy-saving settings without anyone having to remember to change them manually. Some models also compile energy reports that show how often the system runs and offer suggestions for reducing energy use. However, smart thermostats may not be necessary for every home. If you live in an older home, you might need an electrician to install additional wiring to support yours. And smart units are pricier than basic programmable units. Plus, you need a stable internet connection for a smart model to operate consistently well. If you already have a programmable thermostat, a smart unit might not save you much additional money. And if you work at home all day and need to keep the heat or a/c at a comfortable setting, you won’t want a thermostat that automatically makes your home colder on winter days or warmer during summertime working hours.  Still, for homeowners who frequently forget to adjust the temperature or want the convenience of remote control, a smart thermostat can be a useful tool for improving comfort and managing energy use.

Summer heat can be tough on people. It can also be tough on batteries. Many of the devices we use every day contain lithium-ion batteries. That includes phones, laptops, tablets, power tools, e-bikes and e-scooters. These batteries work best when they stay within a moderate temperature range. Excessive heat can shorten battery life and, in rare cases, create safety risks. One of the worst places for a battery-powered device is a parked car. On a sunny day, temperatures inside a vehicle can climb quickly. Leaving a phone or laptop in a hot car can damage the battery and reduce its ability to hold a charge. Watch for warning signs. If a battery becomes unusually hot, starts swelling, leaks fluid or gives off a burning smell, stop using the device immediately. Damaged lithium-ion batteries can become dangerous. A few simple steps can help: • Keep devices out of direct sunlight. • Do not leave them in hot vehicles. • Use the charger recommended by the manufacturer. • If a battery-powered device becomes very hot while charging, unplug it and let it cool.  A little heat awareness can help your devices last longer and operate more safely.

Summer heat can be tough on people. It can also be tough on batteries. Many of the devices we use every day contain lithium-ion batteries. That includes phones, laptops, tablets, power tools, e-bikes and e-scooters. These batteries work best when they stay within a moderate temperature range. Excessive heat can shorten battery life and, in rare cases, create safety risks. One of the worst places for a battery-powered device is a parked car. On a sunny day, temperatures inside a vehicle can climb quickly. Leaving a phone or laptop in a hot car can damage the battery and reduce its ability to hold a charge. Watch for warning signs. If a battery becomes unusually hot, starts swelling, leaks fluid or gives off a burning smell, stop using the device immediately. Damaged lithium-ion batteries can become dangerous. A few simple steps can help: • Keep devices out of direct sunlight. • Do not leave them in hot vehicles. • Use the charger recommended by the manufacturer. • If a battery-powered device becomes very hot while charging, unplug it and let it cool. A little heat awareness can help your devices last longer and operate more safely.

During the summer, attic temperatures can climb far above outdoor levels, allowing heat to radiate down into living spaces. This hidden source of heat can make your air conditioning system work harder than necessary. Start by checking attic ventilation. Soffit and ridge vents should be clear and unobstructed to allow hot air to escape. Blocked vents can trap heat and increase indoor temperatures. Gaps around attic access points, such as pull-down stairs or hatches, can also allow hot air to enter the home. Sealing these areas with weatherstripping or insulation can help reduce heat transfer. In some cases, attic fans may improve airflow, but they should be used carefully to avoid disrupting the balance of the home’s ventilation system. Still, addressing attic heat does not require a full renovation. Even small improvements in insulation can make a difference by slowing the movement of heat into living areas.

Older homes can be especially difficult to keep cool during peak summer heat, but expensive window replacements are not the only solution. Small, targeted changes can make a noticeable difference. Start by sealing air leaks. Caulking and weatherstripping around outlets and windows—both indoors and out—can help keep hot air out and cooled air in. At night, take advantage of lower outdoor temperatures by opening windows and using fans to pull in cooler air. In the morning, close windows and blinds early to trap that cooler air inside. Temporary window improvements can also help. Interior inserts, cellular shades and reflective panels reduce heat gain without permanent installation. Focus on south- and west-facing windows, which receive the most direct sunlight. It may also help to run your air conditioning earlier in the day, before outdoor temperatures peak. This can reduce strain on the system later. While older homes present energy-efficiency challenges, a combination of sealing and shading, along with smart timing, can improve comfort without major renovations.

Window air conditioning units are a common solution for summer cooling, but many lose efficiency due to simple installation issues. A few small adjustments can improve performance and reduce energy use. · Start by sealing gaps around the unit. Even small openings above or beside the unit allow hot air to enter and cooled air to escape. The accordion panels that come with many units often provide minimal insulation, so adding foam board or insulation can improve their effectiveness. · Outdoor shade can also make a difference. Direct sunlight forces the unit to work harder, so installing an awning or placing shade above the unit can reduce the load. Inside, keep curtains or blinds closed during the hottest part of the day.  · Regular maintenance matters as well. Clean or replace filters to maintain proper airflow and check that the unit is slightly tilted outward so condensation drains correctly.

As temperatures rise, so do reports of door-to-door home repair scams. Contractors may show up uninvited, claiming your air conditioner is about to fail or your roof was damaged in a recent storm. Some even say they are already working in your neighborhood and can offer a “today only” deal. Don’t fall for it. These high-pressure tactics are designed to push homeowners into quick decisions. Warning signs include requests for large upfront payments, insistence on cash, lack of a written estimate or no verifiable business address. In some cases, scammers may pose as utility workers and ask to check your meter or demand payment to avoid service shutoff. Before agreeing to any work, take a few minutes to verify the company. Ask for a license number and proof of insurance. Look up the business independently and check for reviews or complaints. Legitimate contractors will provide written estimates and allow time for questions. If something feels off, it probably is. Taking a pause can protect both your home and your wallet during the busiest repair season of the year.