Summer Bill-Busters: Energy Upgrades to Keep you Cool and Save Money

Originally published in the Tennessee Magazine

By Brad Wagner

June 1, 2026

Q: Do you have any DIY or low-cost recommendations for keeping my house more comfortable this summer?

A: Yes! Read on for low-cost project suggestions and recommendations for bigger upgrades for long-term savings.

After last winter’s ice storms, it’s hard to believe that we’re already thinking about summer. This, however, is the June issue, which means summer is already hot on spring’s heels. When the forecast is hot, and the humidity is rising, your home’s energy systems work overtime. The good news? A few smart moves now can keep your family and your wallet comfortable all season long.

Schedule an HVAC tuneup

When it comes to your heating and cooling systems, being proactive is far better than being reactive. A professional tuneup is like a physical for your HVAC. When you schedule a tuneup, a qualified technician will clean coils, check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections and ensure everything is running at peak efficiency.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that heating and cooling use more energy than any other system in your home, and poorly maintained systems generally require more effort and run longer to cool your home. Not only do tuneups maximize the efficiency of your system and help prolong its lifespan, but they can also help prevent unex-pected failures or costly emergency repairs.

By combining proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, air sealing and thermostat settings, you can cut your energy use for heating and cooling by 20% to 50%.

Use your fans, and close your blinds

Make sure the blades on your ceiling fan rotate counterclockwise to create a cooling downdraft. Pro tip: Consider cleaning your fan blades thoroughly before reversing them to prevent an unexpected dust shower! And remember to turn your ceiling fan off when you’re not in the room — fans cool people, not rooms.

About 75% of the sunlight that shines through a double-pane window enters your home as heat, so closing your curtains and blinds is a great habit to get into as we spring into summer. If replacing your windows isn’t in the budget, closing your shades is an easy, no-cost way to keep the sun’s powerful rays from warming up your home.

Improve efficiency with a smart thermostat

Another easy and affordable upgrade is swapping out an old thermostat with a smart model. These devices are easy to program (some models even learn your schedule and program themselves), adjust temperatures automatically and allow you to control settings remotely — so you’re not cooling an empty house while you’re at work or away.

Studies consistently show that smart thermostats can meaningfully reduce cooling costs. Some local power companies might even offer rebates for purchasing or enrolling an existing smart thermostat in a rewards program.

Seal in savings with professional duct cleaning, sealing and insulation

Because they’re hidden away in your attic or tucked into your crawl space, ducts are among the most overlooked residential energy wasters. Energy Star reports that leaky ducts can reduce heating and cooling system efficiency by up to 20%.

Gaps, cracks and unnecessary seams in your duct system allow cool, conditioned air to escape into your attic or crawl space. Not only does this waste energy, but it also forces your HVAC to compensate by running longer.

Professional duct cleaning, sealing and insulation improve both comfort and efficiency — and they can make a noticeable difference on your utility bills month after month. Be sure to look for rebates that might be available in your area.

Pump up your comfort with a heat pump

If your cooling system is approaching the 10-year mark or you’re facing a costly repair bill, it might be time to think about an energy-efficient replacement. In Tennessee, air-source and dual-fuel heat pumps are increasingly popular choices for homeowners.

For homes with additions, sunrooms or spaces that traditional ductwork doesn’t reach well, mini split heat pumps offer a flexible solution. These ductless systems can be installed in individual rooms or zones, providing precise control over comfort without the energy losses associated with ducted systems. Once again, rebates might be available!

Schedule a home energy evaluation

Not sure where to start? An in-person home energy evaluation takes the guesswork out of the equation. A certified energy auditor will assess your home’s insulation, air sealing, windows and systems to pinpoint exactly where you’re losing energy and money.

Your professional audit should produce a prioritized list of improvements tailored to your specific home, so you can invest your time and money where it matters most. Many power companies offer evaluations at low or no cost — making this a great first step before committing to larger upgrades.