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CBS News
2 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Tips for lowering your energy costs as summer temperatures rise
Here's how the CBS News price tracker helps you save on everything from gas to groceries With weather forecasts showing above-normal temperatures throughout the country this summer, heat-weary Americans will soon likely be turning up their air conditioners for relief. But that comfort will come at a cost. Home electricity bills are expected to reach their highest average rate in 12 years, at $784 for the summer period, according to a recent analysis from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA). The elevated cost comes as a one-two punch for families already financially strapped after this winter season's higher-than-average heating costs. Those most impacted by higher summer utility bills will be lower-income households, which often lack the resources to cover monthly payments. About one in four households say they can't pay their energy bills, according to the most recent Census Household Pulse Survey. The stakes for keeping cool are high. "Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year," according to the National Weather Service. Higher temperatures can lead to heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Heat waves are already hitting parts of the U.S. like Texas. As Mayo Clinic points out, unexpected fluctuations in the temperature often catch people off guard. For those looking for relief from high temperatures and high bills, experts offer helpful suggestions. "There are simple things to do," said Mark Wolfe, executive director of NEADA. "You can do them now, and they pay off." Here are tips to reduce your energy costs as summer heats up. Low-hanging fruit As a starting point, Americans can tackle low-hanging fruit options, like using a fan in place of, or in addition to an AC. Fans use far less electricity than air conditioners and are priced more reasonably, whether you're looking for a box fan, a pedestal fan or another model. For those with ceiling fans there's a hack for staying extra cool. Experts recommend setting ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise during summer months, as doing so pushes warm air down and keeps a cool breeze going. In the fall and winter, rotation should be switched back to clockwise so that as warm air rises, it's circulated throughout the room, said Laurie Wheelock, executive director and counsel at New York's Utility Project (PULP). If you use an AC, make sure to change the air filter regularly. Wolfe recommends replacing AC filters monthly during the summer, to help units run more efficiently. For those who plan to keep their unit running during the day, you can set it to a few degrees higher before you leave your home to conserve energy. Wolfe advises setting your AC temperature between 70°F and 78°F when you are at home, and 78°F when the house is empty. Other small adjustments to keep your space cool include using indoor plants to create shade, keeping your curtains closed to block out the sunlight during the day, investing in reflective blinds or UV-reflective film for windows. Also, limit your oven use and make sure to turn it off right after using it, as it can warm up your space significantly, said Wolfe. For general energy conservation, experts suggest unplugging small appliances or electronics when you're not using them. Wolfe also recommends running your refrigerator and freezer at the regular temperature as directed by the manufacturer. "Running them at cooler temperatures might seem like a good idea in the summer, but that can drive up electricity costs and potentially wear out the electrical appliance," he said. Also, make sure nothing is blocking the airflow of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Plant life or other obstacles in front of vents can make units less efficient, Wolfe noted. Look to your state or utility company for help While it may seem counter-intuitive, your utility company may be able to help you bear the cost burden of higher bills. "Some utilities run programs to help make your home more energy efficient in the summer," said Wolfe. "They'll offer rebates if you buy more efficient air conditioners, no-cost audits of your home, and they'll subsidize the cost of installing more insulation." In New York, for example, energy giants ConEd and National Grid have monthly discount programs that provide bill credits to low-income households. Wheelock said PULP has seen ConEd customers save $30 to $45 per month on gas an electricity as part of New York's Energy Affordability program, which is administered by the state's major electric and natural gas utilities. State governments can also be a useful resource. Depending on where you live, your local government may offer free home energy assessments, weatherization assistance or an energy efficiency program designs to help residents lower their electricity bill. For those struggling to make ends meet, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally funded initiative with a network of state-run programs, provides financial assistance to low-income households. HEAP provides eligible households, including apartments, with air conditioning units or fans, up to a value of $800, according to WE ACT for Environment Justice, a New York-based environmental justice organization. "Anyone at risk of service termination who is low-income should contact their local Department of Social Services to discuss financial assistance programs including Emergency Energy Assistance," said Wheelock. Invest in long-term solutions With hotter temperatures here to stay, Wolfe said it may be worth investing in more permanent measures like improving your home's insulation or updating your ductwork. This will improve ventilation, keep cold air locked in and make your home more energy efficient overall. Another option is installing a smart thermostat, which allows you to remotely control the temperature of your space. They can also automatically adjust heating and cooling based on when you're home. Models like Ecobee's Smart Thermostat Essential or Google's Nest Smart Learning Thermostat typically run anywhere from $100 to $200. These investments may cost more upfront but will save you money over time, says Wolfe. "In making your home more energy efficient, the savings will pay for the improvements," he said. For those ready to make an even bigger leap, installing a heat pump, switching to central air or upgrading your HVAC or AC system to one with a high Energy Star rating are other long-term investments. Something to keep in mind before you make any of these purchases is whether electricity in your state is high enough to warrant the investment. "If you're in like the northeast using heating oil, heat pumps make a lot of sense," said Wolfe. Even before you buy a home, it's worth investigating what the energy bills will look like. You can do this by getting an energy audit from a utility company, said Wolfe.
Business Mayor
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Cruel Summer: AC costs expected to skyrocket to 12-year high across the US
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US The cost of using air conditioning across the nation is expected to hit its highest level in 12 years this summer. It may even reach a record high, according to energy industry experts. Skyrocketing prices come amid increasing demand due to higher temperatures and more oppressive humidity spurred by human-caused climate change. That demand is only projected to surge as Earth's atmosphere continues to heat up, thanks to the continued production of fossil fuels and other sources of polluting greenhouse gas emissions. 'We have found that consumers are going to be hit with the highest level in 12 years, possibly a record high for home cooling this summer, as the average cost of electricity is projected to reach $784, a 6.2 percent increase from $737 last year,' National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) and the Center for Energy Poverty and Climate (CEPC) said in a joint statement. 'After adjusting for inflation, the average family will see an increase of 4.2 percent.' The number of cooling degree days, when air conditioners might be necessary, has increased in hundreds of locations over the past 50 years, and heat and energy stress has resulted in days-long power outages with deadly consequences. The highest average costs are anticipated in the Northeast, South Central, and South Atlantic regions of the U.S. It is forecast to be a particularly hot summer for the majority of the country, including much of the West, Florida, and the Northeast. It's going to be another sweltering summer across much of the U.S. Now, energy experts are predicting cooling costs will reach the highest level in 12 years — and possibly a new record (Getty Images) The groups cited two reasons for rising prices. First, that the cost of electricity is rising faster than average inflation. Second, that summer temperatures are continuing to result in severe and prolonged heat waves. It's a burden, they warned, that falls disproportionately on low-income families. Nearly 20 percent of low-income families have no air conditioning. 'The average energy burden for low-income households is about 8.6 percent of income, almost three times the rate for non-low-income households (3.0 percent),' the organizations said, noting that a recent survey had found the percentage of household that could not pay their energy bill for at least one month in the last year has increased, up from 21.4 percent to 25.3 percent. While the official poverty rate fell in 2023, the Census Bureau says there were still 36.8 million people living in poverty that year. The burden, the report said, falls to them because of a lack of access to affordable summer cooling systems, high electric bills, and cutbacks in the federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The program was reportedly included in recent Trump administration cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services. For low-income families, the upcoming months look particularly 'dire' without access to home cooling. Nearly 20 percent of low-income families have no air conditioning (Getty Images) This summer, they said only 26 states and the nation's capital will offer cooling assistance. Furthermore, just 17 states and Washington, D.C., are slated to provide some level of protection against utility companies shutting offer electricity due to unpaid bills during sweltering summer months. This leaves low-income families in 33 states without protections to exposure to dangerous health conditions, including heat stroke and even death. More than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's more than any other weather event. Notably, those who do have access to heating and cooling systems may also be behind on energy bills from the winter months, and the amount of money consumers owe their utilities has increased from $17.5 billion in January 2023 to $24 billion in March 2025. One out of six households in the U.S. are estimated to be behind on their energy bills, NEADA said. 'Put plainly, the situation for low-income households this summer looks dire. NEADA and CEPC are concerned that this summer could be deadly for many low-income households across the United States,' they concluded.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cruel Summer: AC costs expected to skyrocket to 12-year high across the US
The cost of using air conditioning across the nation is expected to hit its highest level in 12 years this summer. It may even reach a record high, according to energy industry experts. Skyrocketing prices come amid increasing demand due to higher temperatures and more oppressive humidity spurred by human-caused climate change. That demand is only projected to surge as Earth's atmosphere continues to heat up, thanks to the continued production of fossil fuels and other sources of polluting greenhouse gas emissions. 'We have found that consumers are going to be hit with the highest level in 12 years, possibly a record high for home cooling this summer, as the average cost of electricity is projected to reach $784, a 6.2 percent increase from $737 last year,' National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) and the Center for Energy Poverty and Climate (CEPC) said in a joint statement. 'After adjusting for inflation, the average family will see an increase of 4.2 percent.' The number of cooling degree days, when air conditioners might be necessary, has increased in hundreds of locations over the past 50 years, and heat and energy stress has resulted in days-long power outages with deadly consequences. The highest average costs are anticipated in the Northeast, South Central, and South Atlantic regions of the U.S. It is forecast to be a particularly hot summer for the majority of the country, including much of the West, Florida, and the Northeast. The groups cited two reasons for rising prices. First, that the cost of electricity is rising faster than average inflation. Second, that summer temperatures are continuing to result in severe and prolonged heat waves. It's a burden, they warned, that falls disproportionately on low-income families. Nearly 20 percent of low-income families have no air conditioning. 'The average energy burden for low-income households is about 8.6 percent of income, almost three times the rate for non-low-income households (3.0 percent),' the organizations said, noting that a recent survey had found the percentage of household that could not pay their energy bill for at least one month in the last year has increased, up from 21.4 percent to 25.3 percent. While the official poverty rate fell in 2023, the Census Bureau says there were still 36.8 million people living in poverty that year. The burden, the report said, falls to them because of a lack of access to affordable summer cooling systems, high electric bills, and cutbacks in the federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The program was reportedly included in recent Trump administration cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services. This summer, they said only 26 states and the nation's capital will offer cooling assistance. Furthermore, just 17 states and Washington, D.C., are slated to provide some level of protection against utility companies shutting offer electricity due to unpaid bills during sweltering summer months. This leaves low-income families in 33 states without protections to exposure to dangerous health conditions, including heat stroke and even death. More than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's more than any other weather event. Notably, those who do have access to heating and cooling systems may also be behind on energy bills from the winter months, and the amount of money consumers owe their utilities has increased from $17.5 billion in January 2023 to $24 billion in March 2025. One out of six households in the U.S. are estimated to be behind on their energy bills, NEADA said. 'Put plainly, the situation for low-income households this summer looks dire. NEADA and CEPC are concerned that this summer could be deadly for many low-income households across the United States,' they concluded.
The Independent
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Cruel Summer: AC costs expected to skyrocket to 12-year high across the US
The cost of using air conditioning across the nation is expected to hit its highest level in 12 years this summer. It may even reach a record high, according to energy industry experts. Skyrocketing prices come amid increasing demand due to higher temperatures and more oppressive humidity spurred by human-caused climate change. That demand is only projected to surge as Earth's atmosphere continues to heat up, thanks to the continued production of fossil fuels and other sources of polluting greenhouse gas emissions. 'We have found that consumers are going to be hit with the highest level in 12 years, possibly a record high for home cooling this summer, as the average cost of electricity is projected to reach $784, a 6.2 percent increase from $737 last year,' National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) and the Center for Energy Poverty and Climate (CEPC) said in a joint statement. 'After adjusting for inflation, the average family will see an increase of 4.2 percent.' The number of cooling degree days, when air conditioners might be necessary, has increased in hundreds of locations over the past 50 years, and heat and energy stress has resulted in days-long power outages with deadly consequences. The highest average costs are anticipated in the Northeast, South Central, and South Atlantic regions of the U.S. It is forecast to be a particularly hot summer for the majority of the country, including much of the West, Florida, and the Northeast. The groups cited two reasons for rising prices. First, that the cost of electricity is rising faster than average inflation. Second, that summer temperatures are continuing to result in severe and prolonged heat waves. It's a burden, they warned, that falls disproportionately on low-income families. Nearly 20 percent of low-income families have no air conditioning. 'The average energy burden for low-income households is about 8.6 percent of income, almost three times the rate for non-low-income households (3.0 percent),' the organizations said, noting that a recent survey had found the percentage of household that could not pay their energy bill for at least one month in the last year has increased, up from 21.4 percent to 25.3 percent. While the official poverty rate fell in 2023, the Census Bureau says there were still 36.8 million people living in poverty that year. The burden, the report said, falls to them because of a lack of access to affordable summer cooling systems, high electric bills, and cutbacks in the federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The program was reportedly included in recent Trump administration cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services. This summer, they said only 26 states and the nation's capital will offer cooling assistance. Furthermore, just 17 states and Washington, D.C., are slated to provide some level of protection against utility companies shutting offer electricity due to unpaid bills during sweltering summer months. This leaves low-income families in 33 states without protections to exposure to dangerous health conditions, including heat stroke and even death. More than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's more than any other weather event. Notably, those who do have access to heating and cooling systems may also be behind on energy bills from the winter months, and the amount of money consumers owe their utilities has increased from $17.5 billion in January 2023 to $24 billion in March 2025. One out of six households in the U.S. are estimated to be behind on their energy bills, NEADA said. 'Put plainly, the situation for low-income households this summer looks dire. NEADA and CEPC are concerned that this summer could be deadly for many low-income households across the United States,' they concluded.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Home electricity bills forecast to reach a 12-year high this summer
High temperatures projected across the U.S. summer could take a toll on Americans' budgets by driving up the price of keeping homes cool. Home electricity bills are expected to rise to an average of $784 for the summer period, up more than 6% from $737 in 2024 and marking a 12-year record, according a new analysis from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA). The growing expense comes on the heels of a cold winter that drove up heating costs for many Americans, and as consumers continue to grapple with higher prices on everyday goods. Consumers are also increasingly expressing concerns about how tariffs could affect their day-to-day costs, Gallup polling has found. "We found that it's going to be another expensive summer for air conditioning because temperatures will stay high, and electricity prices have been rising faster than inflation," energy economist Mark Wolfe, executive director of NEADA, told CBS MoneyWatch. The anticipated spike in residential electricity costs from June through September is due to the combination of rising cost of electricity, which is outpacing inflation, with higher temperatures, NEADA said. Those trends mean that households are not only expected to pay higher prices for electricity, but will likely consume more of it than they did last summer because of the need for more cooling. "It's not just temperatures that are going up, but the cost of cooling is going up," Wolfe said. "And when electricity prices go up, they tend to stay high. So even if temperatures moderate, your bill might go up because of the cost of electricity." Unpaid bills Energy costs eat up a larger share of low-income families' budgets compared to higher-earners. Low-income households spend roughly 8.6% of their incomes on energy costs, compared to 3% for those that are higher up the income ladder, according to NEADA. Worryingly, the lowest earners could struggle to afford to keep their homes cool, Wolfe noted. The most recent Census Household Pulse Survey found that 37% of low- and moderate-income households could not afford their energy bills for at least one month between April 2023 and April 2024. If those households find themselves in a financial crunch this summer, they may opt to turn off their air conditioning, which could pose serious health risks, noted Wolfe. "Last winter was cold, so they're just getting over paying their heating bills, and are now facing higher summer cooling costs," Wolfe explained. "And while people understand that if you don't use heat in the winter, your pipes will freeze, that won't happen in the summer." Reluctance to turn on one's air conditioning can have adverse health effects like heat stroke. "While this won't do damage to your building, it will do damage to you," Wolfe said. Extreme heat and health Public assistance programs haven't kept pace with the evolving climate, according to Wolfe. "We're having heat waves that are lasting longer, and the systems in place to protect families have not kept up," he said. This summer's cooling cost forecast should be taken as a sign that state and federal assistance programs require modernization, according to Wolfe. Only 26 states offer summer cooling assistance to help Americans pay their bills. Thirty-three states have no protections in place to prevent utilities company from shutting off customers' access to electricity when they're behind on payments. Extreme heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States, according to the National Weather Service. Wolfe says that taking steps to modernize your home can actually help households save money. For example, adding insulation to your house can help control energy bills. "Families should start preparing for long-term extreme weather and think about the energy efficiency of their cooling systems," he said. Texas mom accused of buying ammunition for son who officials say planned school attack These Republicans voted against the reconciliation bill in House Budget Committee GOP budget package fails to clear key House committee
