How to Save Money on Utilities in Summerville

Here are practical ways to save money on utilities in Summerville, SC:

1. Switch to LED Lighting
   Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy and last much longer. Focus on frequently used rooms like kitchens and living rooms for quick savings. This reduces both energy bills and maintenance costs.
2. Seal and Weatherproof Your Home
   Inspect doors, windows, and ceilings for drafts. Use weatherstripping and caulking to seal gaps and prevent air leaks. Proper insulation and sealing keep your home temperature stable, reducing heating and cooling costs significantly.
3. Use Thermostats Efficiently
   Set your thermostat to comfortable but not excessively cool or warm temperatures. Using a programmable thermostat helps adjust temperature automatically when you’re away or asleep, lowering unnecessary energy use.
4. Manage Lighting and Appliance Use
   Turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use. Many electronics consume power even on standby, so use power strips to easily disconnect multiple devices. This reduces phantom energy loss and helps with cooling your home by reducing excess heat from appliances.
5. Window Treatments
   Use blinds, shades, or curtains to block heat from sunlight during warmer months. Up to 30% of unwanted heat enters through windows, so shading windows can ease the load on your air conditioning system.
6. Maintain HVAC Systems
   Regularly service your air conditioning and heating systems to ensure they operate efficiently. Change filters routinely to improve airflow and system efficiency.
7. Energy Audits and Assistance Programs
   Take advantage of free or low-cost home energy check-ups offered by energy providers in South Carolina. These inspections highlight improvement areas and may qualify you for rebates, such as those for ENERGY STAR appliances or efficient water heaters.

Implementing these steps can make a noticeable difference in your Summerville utility bills, improve home comfort, and reduce energy consumption sustainably.

SOURCES

[1](https://mistersparkycharleston.com/improve-energy-efficiency/)
[2](https://blog.constellation.com/2019/05/06/energy-saving-tips-summer/)
[3](https://www.exeloncorp.com/grid/Ten-Summer-Energy-Saving-Tips)
[4](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/spring-and-summer-energy-saving-tips)
[5](http://www.dominionenergy.com/en/South-Carolina/Save-Energy)