Ways to Save Money this Summer

We’ve already had a number of days that have neared 100°F. It won’t be long before we are crossing that threshold!

We’re always pinching pennies in my household, so I’m considering how to save money as we face the sweltering days of summer.

When cooling the home

It’s typical for electric bills to spike during the summer months because of the energy it takes to run air conditioning units. Here are some ways we can minimize our increased electricity usage.

• Open the windows at night. If you live in a location where it still gets cool at night, then don’t run your cooling system overnight! Open your windows while sleeping. When you wake in the morning, shut the windows and blinds to capture the cooler air.
• Use window coverings wisely. Close curtains to windows that are in direct sunlight to prevent excess heat gain. If possible, use thermal drapes or install solar screens.
• Use ceiling fans. When you feel warm, see if a ceiling fan will cool you enough that you can leave the cooling system set at a higher temperature. Ceiling fans can help you feel up to 4°F cooler.
• Use exhaust fans. Use bathroom fans to remove heat and humidity from your home after taking a shower or bath. Consider installing exhaust fans in your kitchen and laundry room for this same purpose. As always, be sure to shut off exhaust fans once they’ve done their job.
• Take care for your air conditioner. If you have a central air conditioning unit, then change your HVAC filters and have the unit serviced at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer.
• Be careful how you cook. Avoid using the oven on hot days. Use an outdoor grill, the microwave, or the stovetop instead.
• Minimize activities that generate a lot of heat. Activities such as ironing clothes, using hair dryers, burning open flames, running lots of computer equipment, and running clothes dryers generate a lot of heat. Avoid these activities on particularly hot days.

When purchasing summer clothes

Summer clothes may cover less skin, but this doesn’t make them any more affordable! Here are a few ways we can save money when purchasing summer clothes.

• Consider how the items will be used. Given the time most of us spend playing outdoors, vacationing, camping, etc., summer tends to be hard on clothes. If you know certain items are going to be worn out after the summer, then consider purchasing basic versions of these. There’s no reason to pay for fancy or trendy varieties if you know they are only going to last a few months! Likewise, if you are going to buy patriotic t-shirts for Independence Day, keep in mind that you likely won’t wear these in the fall, winter, or spring. Thus, it’s wise to avoid spending much money on them.
• Make your own. If you have some basic sewing skills, then you can make your own summer clothes from clothes you wear during the rest of the year. Do you have pants with holes in the knees? Turn these into shorts. Are your kids’ jeans getting a little short? Make these into cutoffs or capris.
• Shop sales or buy used. If you don’t need new items immediately, then wait until summer passes and get these items on clearance. However, if you need the items right away, then shop sales or check consignment and thrift stores to see if they have suitable items.

When purchasing food and other items

The prices on numerous products vary throughout the year. You can often find the following items at low prices during the summer months.

We’re hoping to keep our spending to a minimum this summer because we’re using these approaches. For additional ideas, check out my sources: U.S. Department of Energy and Wise Bread.

What additional tips can you share? How do you save money during the summer months?

Shared at the following:

Busy Monday, Tuesdays with a Twist, and Over the Moon.