Two free switches inside the home to avoid a $784 energy bill payment as Americans brace for highest cost in 12 years ...Middle East

WITH the first day of summer approaching fast, many Americans are bracing for energy cost increases.

Cranking up the air conditioning during the hotter months can spike monthly bills, but two free switches at home could save serious cash.

A recent report from the National Energy Directors Association (NEADA) noted that the average price for electricity in households nationwide between June and September of this year is expected to be around $784.

That’s a whopping 6.2% increase from the $737 average last year, or 4.3% considering inflation.

It’s the highest energy bill uptick in the last 12 years.

Only a decade ago, averages for the same summer period were around $497.

NEADA cited serval contributing factors, including that the price of electricity in general is rising at a faster rate than inflation is, along with longer periods of hotter weather and rapid temperature fluctuations due to climate change.

Certain areas also have it worse than others.

Americans in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana pay the most, with an average summertime energy bill of $996 for 2025.

Low-income households will be hit the hardest with the increase, as electricity accounts for around 8.6% of their income, three times the rate for Americans in other tax brackets.

Census Household Pulse Survey data also saw in increase in residents who can’t afford electricity, with utility debt on average in 2025 being $24 billion, up from $17.5 billion in early 2023.

Now, more than ever, finding ways to mitigate energy bill costs is crucial, and at least two are free and easy to start.

POWER DOWN AND CLEAN

Joshua Shalhoub, supervisor of Harriman Heating and Cooling, advised Americans to first turn off AC whenever possible on cooler days or at night if possible.

“It’s nice to get that fresh air through the home as well, you know, open the windows,” he noted while speaking with Ohio ABC affiliate WEWS.

“If the system’s not running, you’re not paying the bill to run it.”

While that might be more obvious, the second tip, cleaning airway ducts, may surprise some homeowners.

Summer Energy Protections by State

In 2025, just 17 states and Washington DC offer Americans protections from having their electricity shut off if they are behind on utility payments:

Source: NEADA

“Duct cleaning is really important,” Shalhoub emphasized.

“You know it’s recommended once every five years or so. That’s just going to keep the system working efficiently for you.”

Overworking the system means more money out of pocket to keep it cooling down the living space.

As a bonus tip, Shalhoub also suggested that homeowners or renters double-check the temperature of their fridge and freezer.

“Make sure we can check all the electronics, make sure we can check all the refrigerant levels,” he noted.

THERMOSTAT TIP

Arguably one of the most crucial tips experts have offered so far involves the positioning of the thermostat in a living space.

Energy bills could skyrocket for those who accidentally have it placed near an area where artificial heat disrupts the system, like near a window with a lot of direct sunlight, for example.

The thermostat won’t be able to tell the difference and kick on and off incorrectly as a result of the heat caused by the sunlight through the window.

“Most people have no idea that thermostat placement can make or break their energy efficiency,” Corey Gilgan, owner of electrical solutions company Oregon Generators, noted in a statement.

“I’ve seen homeowners spending hundreds more than necessary, simply because their thermostat is in the wrong spot.”

According to Gilgan, moving it could reduce bills by as much as 30%.

He strongly advised that Americans get professional assistance to adjust the positioning of the thermostat, given all the wires and electrical components.

Leaving a fan on all night could also be extremely costly for Americans this month in replacement of air conditioning.

There’s also five ways to get clothes dry without turning up heating or using the dryer.

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