As Michigan heads into the hottest months of the year, many households see their energy use shift dramatically. Cooling your home can account for nearly half of your summer energy consumption, and factors like heat waves, rapid temperature swings, increased AC use, and even longer billing cycles can all contribute to higher bills.
With a few simple steps, you can take control of your energy use and keep costs down this summer:
- Keep your AC clean: Clear away leaves, grass and debris from around your outdoor unit and make sure the filter is clean. Replacing or cleaning your filter every three months helps your system run efficiently.
- Shade your home: Close blinds or curtains—especially on south‑facing windows—to reduce heat gain and maintain a cooler indoor environment.
- Use a programmable thermostat: Pre‑cool your home before 3 p.m. or raise the temperature a few degrees when you’re away to avoid cooling an empty house
- Seal air leaks and insulate: Check for gaps around windows and doors and ensure your home has proper insulation. Sealing leaks can reduce energy waste and save up to 10% on your annual bill.
- Keep vents clear: Make sure furniture or rugs aren’t blocking air vents so your cooling system can distribute air evenly.
- Visit DTE’s Marketplace and enjoy instant savings on energy-efficient products for your home this summer.
If you’ve recently completed an energy efficiency improvement project in your home, explore DTE’s rebates center to see whether you qualify for a money saving rebate. It’s an easy way to get rewarded for making your home more efficient.
Find additional tips to stay cool and save energy all summer long visit dteenergy.com/summer.