With two consecutive months of rising inflation straining household budgets, many Americans are looking for ways to cut costs. Utility bills, projected to rise 8% this summer, offer significant savings potential, according to Patrick Gambel, owner of General Heating & Air Conditioning in New Orleans.
“In most homes, electricity usually has the biggest potential for savings, mainly because of the AC and heating systems,” Gambel said. He noted that HVAC systems are among the biggest energy users, especially during summer when air conditioning runs almost constantly.
One simple change is reducing shower time. The average American spends 16.1 minutes in the shower, using about 32 gallons of water at a cost of 70 cents per shower, according to a 2024 Harris poll and Badeloft. Cutting showers to four minutes could save a four-person household around $60 per month. Other tips include using less bath water and turning off taps while brushing teeth or washing dishes.
To reduce gas bills, which rose 3% year-on-year, Gambel advises being mindful of hot water and heat usage. Dropping shower temperature from very hot to warm can help. Smart thermostats can save up to 8% on energy bills, or about $13 monthly based on the average $163 electricity bill. For those without smart thermostats, setting a traditional thermostat to “Auto” and changing AC filters monthly improves efficiency.
For unconventional savings, Gambel suggests placing a bowl of ice under a fan in smaller rooms to circulate cooler air without overusing air conditioning. “It’s obviously not replacing your AC system, but it can help make a space feel cooler temporarily,” he said.
