As summer temperatures begin to climb across the region, officials with the Tennessee Valley Authority are encouraging homeowners and businesses to take steps now to reduce energy use and lower utility bills.
Ashley England with TVA EnergyRight said preparation before peak summer heat arrives can make a noticeable difference in comfort and monthly expenses. She said one of the easiest and least expensive ways to cut cooling costs is by adjusting thermostat settings.
That recommendation aligns with guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program, which recommends keeping thermostats at about 78 degrees during summer months when occupants are home and raising the temperature while away to reduce electricity use. ENERGY STAR estimates nearly half of the average home’s annual utility costs go toward heating and cooling.
England also encouraged residents to use ceiling fans properly.
“If you combine that with the ceiling fans running counterclockwise to push that cool air down in the room, you really can feel pretty comfortable,” she said.
Experts say fans help occupants feel cooler by increasing evaporation from the skin, allowing thermostats to remain at higher settings without sacrificing comfort.
Another major recommendation from England involves routine HVAC maintenance, particularly replacing air filters.
ENERGY STAR similarly advises homeowners to inspect filters monthly during heavy-use periods and replace them at least every three months. According to the agency, dirty filters restrict airflow, force systems to work harder and can eventually lead to expensive repairs or premature equipment failure.
England suggested homeowners consider subscription delivery services for replacement filters to make maintenance easier.
“You set it to show up every two months, and then boom, it’s on your doorstep,” she said.
She also advised residents to keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the afternoon to reduce radiant heat entering homes.
“That’s going to keep some of that radiant heat outside and prevent your home from warming up,” England said.
Energy experts say limiting direct sunlight through windows can significantly reduce indoor temperatures and decrease air conditioning demand during peak afternoon hours.
England said homeowners can also reduce heat buildup indoors by delaying use of major appliances until later in the evening.
“Wait until the sun goes down if you can,” she said. “Because those appliances put off heat. They generate heat. And that heat just leaks right indoors.”
Online discussions among HVAC professionals and homeowners often point out indoor heat sources such as dryers, dishwashers and ovens as contributors to higher cooling costs during summer months.
TVA EnergyRight is also promoting HVAC tune-ups through its contractor network.
“We highly recommend you go ahead and get an HVAC tune-up,” England said. “And, in fact, we offer a rebate for that.”
TVA EnergyRight currently offers a $50 rebate for annual HVAC tune-ups completed through participating Quality Contractor Network members. The program also includes rebates for duct sealing, insulation improvements, smart thermostats and high-efficiency HVAC systems.
England said preventative maintenance can help avoid costly repairs during the hottest part of the summer.
“Your HVAC technician’s going to identify and address any potential issues before they escalate into costly problems,” she said.
TVA says newer high-efficiency systems may reduce cooling energy costs by as much as 20% compared to older units.
England also discussed programs available for commercial customers.
“We have really amazing incentives available for businesses,” she said. “We offer up to $3 million per year, per business, for incentives for energy efficiency upgrades.”
The incentives can help businesses offset costs for projects including HVAC replacement, LED lighting upgrades and customized energy-saving improvements, according to TVA EnergyRight.
England said TVA has also launched a Smart Energy Starter Kit aimed at smaller businesses.
“It includes Wi-Fi smart plugs, a smart thermostat, weather stripping, just tons of really great tools and supplies,” she said. “They can order it on our website for free.”
Additional information about rebates, contractor networks and energy-saving programs is available through TVA EnergyRight.
