7 Ways to Lower Your Energy Bill This Summer in Johnson City, TN

Summer in Johnson City means temperatures regularly climbing into the upper 80s and low 90s, paired with the kind of humidity that makes you feel every single degree. For most Tri-Cities homeowners, air conditioning accounts for the single largest portion of their summer electric bill, often 40-60 percent of total energy costs. The good news is that there are practical, proven strategies to lower your energy bill this summer in Johnson City, TN without sacrificing comfort.

The Summit Air & Heat team has compiled our top seven tips based on years of experience helping local homeowners get the most out of their heating and cooling systems. Some of these changes cost nothing, while others require a modest investment that pays for itself quickly through energy savings.

1. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

The simplest and most effective way to lower your summer cooling costs is to adjust your thermostat. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save approximately 3 percent on your cooling bill for every degree you raise your thermostat above 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here are the recommended settings for maximum savings without sacrificing comfort:

• When you are home: 78 degrees Fahrenheit
• When you are away: 85 degrees Fahrenheit
• While sleeping: 82 degrees Fahrenheit (use a ceiling fan for comfort)

We understand that 78 degrees might feel warm at first, especially when you have been keeping your thermostat at 72. The trick is to raise it gradually over a week or two so your body acclimates. Use ceiling fans to create a wind-chill effect that makes 78 degrees feel more like 74. Ceiling fans use a fraction of the electricity that your AC does, so the net savings are substantial.

One common mistake Johnson City homeowners make is setting the thermostat very low when they come home to a warm house, thinking the AC will cool things down faster. It will not. Your air conditioner cools at the same rate regardless of the thermostat setting. All you are doing is making the system run longer than necessary.

2. Seal Air Leaks Around Your Home

Air leaks are one of the biggest energy wasters in Tennessee homes. Gaps around windows, doors, electrical outlets, plumbing penetrations, and attic hatches allow your expensive cooled air to escape while letting hot, humid outdoor air in. The Department of Energy estimates that air leaks can increase your cooling costs by 20-30 percent.

Common air leak locations to check and seal include:

• Windows and doors: Apply weatherstripping and caulk around frames
• Electrical outlets on exterior walls: Install foam gaskets behind cover plates
• Attic hatch or pull-down stairs: Add weatherstripping and insulation
• Plumbing and electrical penetrations: Use spray foam to seal gaps
• Recessed lights in insulated ceilings: Install IC-rated covers
• Ductwork joints: Seal with mastic or foil-backed tape (never cloth duct tape)

A tube of caulk costs a few dollars and a can of spray foam under ten dollars. These are some of the highest-return investments you can make to reduce your energy bill. For a comprehensive assessment, Summit Air & Heat can perform an energy audit that identifies exactly where your home is losing conditioned air.

3. Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance

A well-maintained air conditioning system operates 15-25 percent more efficiently than a neglected one. If you have not had your AC serviced recently, scheduling a professional tune-up before the peak of summer is one of the smartest investments you can make. Our comprehensive guide on the importance of annual HVAC maintenance covers everything included in a professional tune-up.

During a maintenance visit, our technicians at Summit Air & Heat will:

• Clean the condenser and evaporator coils, which can reduce efficiency by 30 percent when dirty
• Check and adjust refrigerant levels for optimal cooling performance
• Inspect and clean the blower assembly for maximum airflow
• Replace or clean the air filter
• Check electrical connections and capacitors
• Verify thermostat calibration and operation
• Inspect ductwork for leaks and damage

Between professional visits, you should replace your air filter every 30-90 days depending on the type. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forces your system to work harder, and can increase energy consumption by 5-15 percent. This is the single easiest maintenance task you can do yourself to keep your cooling costs down.

4. Use Shade to Your Advantage

Solar heat gain through windows and on your roof is a major contributor to your cooling load. According to the Department of Energy, about 76 percent of sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows enters your home as heat. Strategic use of shade can significantly reduce the amount of work your AC has to do.

Effective shading strategies include:

• Exterior window shades or awnings: Block up to 77 percent of solar heat before it enters your home
• Interior blinds and curtains: Close them on south- and west-facing windows during the hottest parts of the day
• Landscaping: Deciduous trees planted on the south and west sides of your home provide shade in summer and allow sunlight in winter
• Window films: Low-e window films can reduce solar heat gain by 40-70 percent without blocking your view

Here in Johnson City, the summer sun tracks across the southern sky and hits the western side of your home hardest in the late afternoon, which is when outdoor temperatures peak. Focusing your shading efforts on south- and west-facing windows gives you the biggest return.

5. Upgrade Your Insulation

Insulation is your home's primary defense against heat transfer, and many Johnson City homes, especially those built before the 1980s, are under-insulated by today's standards. Adding insulation to your attic is one of the most cost-effective home improvements you can make for energy savings.

The Department of Energy recommends R-38 to R-60 attic insulation for homes in our climate zone (Zone 4). Many older Tri-Cities homes have only R-19 or less. Upgrading from R-19 to R-38 can reduce your cooling costs by 10-20 percent and pays for itself in two to five years.

Key areas to insulate or upgrade include:

• Attic floor: The most impactful and easiest to address
• Exterior walls: Blown-in insulation can be added without removing drywall
• Crawlspace: Insulate between floor joists or encapsulate the crawlspace
• Ductwork: Insulate any ducts running through unconditioned spaces

6. Install a Smart Thermostat

If you are still using a basic programmable thermostat or, worse, a manual thermostat, upgrading to a smart thermostat is a game-changer for energy savings. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and preferences, automatically adjusting temperatures to save energy when you are away or asleep.

According to Energy Star, smart thermostats can save approximately 10-15 percent on cooling costs and 10-12 percent on heating costs. For the average Johnson City home spending $200 per month on utilities in summer, that translates to roughly $20-$30 in monthly savings.

Popular smart thermostat features that save energy include:

• Learning algorithms: The thermostat learns your routine and adjusts automatically
• Geofencing: Uses your phone's location to detect when you leave and return home
• Energy reports: Shows you exactly when and how much energy you are using
• Remote control: Adjust your thermostat from anywhere via smartphone app
• Integration with utility programs: Some Tennessee utilities offer rebates and demand-response programs for smart thermostats

Most smart thermostats cost $150-$300 and can be installed in under an hour. If you prefer professional installation, Summit Air & Heat can set up your new thermostat and optimize its settings for your home and lifestyle.

7. Consider HVAC Zoning

If you have a multi-story home or rooms that are consistently warmer than others, HVAC zoning can dramatically reduce your energy costs. A zoning system uses motorized dampers in your ductwork to direct cooled air only to the areas that need it, rather than cooling the entire house to the same temperature.

Think about it this way: why cool the upstairs bedrooms to 72 degrees during the day when no one is using them? Or why cool the entire house to 72 when you are only spending time in the living room and kitchen? Zoning lets you focus your cooling where you actually need it, reducing the total runtime and energy consumption of your AC system.

Zoning is especially beneficial for:

• Two-story homes where the upstairs is always warmer than the downstairs
• Homes with large windows that create hot spots from solar heat gain
• Families with different comfort preferences in different parts of the home
• Home offices or bonus rooms that are only used at certain times

Alternatively, ductless mini-split systems provide built-in zoning since each indoor unit operates independently. This is an excellent option if you are already considering an HVAC system replacement.

Start Saving Today

You do not need to implement all seven strategies at once. Start with the free and low-cost options like adjusting your thermostat, replacing your air filter, and sealing obvious air leaks. Then work your way up to the bigger investments like insulation upgrades and smart thermostats. Even implementing two or three of these tips can reduce your summer energy bill by 20-30 percent.

If you would like professional help optimizing your home's cooling efficiency, the team at Summit Air & Heat is here for you. From maintenance tune-ups to complete system replacements, we help Johnson City and Tri-Cities homeowners stay comfortable while keeping their energy costs under control.

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