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.

That extra refrigerator in the garage or basement may seem convenient, especially during summer parties, but it can come with a noticeable cost. Older refrigerators, particularly those kept in hot spaces like garages, often run less efficiently than newer models. And if you have one in a garage without air conditioning, hot weather will force it to work harder and use more energy to stay cool. Even newer units can run up your energy bill. Running a second refrigerator year-round means paying for continuous cooling, whether it’s fully stocked or not. In many cases, the cost is higher than you might expect. If you rely on a second fridge, consider how and when you use it. Keeping it full actually helps efficiency, as items inside retain cold better than empty air. Regularly check door seals and clean the coils to keep it running properly. If the unit is rarely needed, it may be worth unplugging it except during peak use times, like before holiday parties. For older models, upgrading to an energy-efficient unit surely will reduce energy use and operating costs.

It’s a common belief that closing vents or doors in unused rooms will save energy during the summer. In reality, this approach can do more harm than good. Most home cooling systems are designed to distribute air evenly throughout the house. When vents are closed, pressure builds up in the ductwork, which can reduce efficiency and strain the system. Instead of saving energy, the air conditioner may work harder to compensate. Closing interior doors can create similar issues by restricting airflow and causing temperature imbalances. Some rooms may become too warm, while others feel overly cooled. A better approach is to keep vents open and ensure air can circulate freely. If certain areas are consistently uncomfortable, it may point to a larger issue, such as insulation gaps or duct problems, which should be addressed directly. Energy savings come from improving system performance, not restricting it. Keeping air moving as designed is usually the most efficient path.

Summer grilling season brings people outdoors, but it also introduces electrical safety risks that are easy to overlook. · If you’re using an electric grill, make sure it’s plugged into a properly rated outdoor outlet. Ground fault circuit interrupter outlets, or GFCIs, are especially important in outdoor spaces, as they help prevent shocks during wet weather. · Avoid using indoor extension cords outside. Outdoor-rated cords are designed to handle heat and moisture. Even then, try locating your outdoor appliances and lights as close as possible to outlets. And if you must use extension cords, place them where people won’t trip over them. · Be mindful of lighting and additional appliances on decks and patios. Plugging too many devices into a single outlet can overload the circuit, increasing the risk of overheating. · Keep all electrical connections away from water sources, including pools, sprinklers, sinks and wet surfaces. If cords or outlets become damaged, stop using them until they can be repaired or replaced. A few precautions can help ensure your outdoor cooking setup stays safe all season long.

Sometimes, your electric bill might creep up a bit in June, even before the hottest days of summer arrive. The increase often has less to do with extreme heat and more to do with how cooling systems operate early in the season. Air conditioning units that have been idle for months may not run at peak efficiency right away. Dust buildup, clogged filters or minor maintenance issues can make systems work harder from the start. Humidity also plays a role. Early summer air often carries moisture, which makes homes feel warmer and prompts air conditioners to run longer to keep the house cool. Longer daylight hours can contribute as well. More time at home with lights and electronics in use adds to overall energy consumption. To reduce early-season spikes, replace air filters before you ever switch on your a/c. At the same time, schedule routine maintenance and use ceiling fans to help circulate the cool air around your rooms. Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher than usual can also help manage costs without sacrificing comfort. Understanding why June bills climb is the first step toward keeping them in check.