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Summer

Keep Energy Usage & Costs Down When Temperatures Rise

Managing your electric usage when the weather gets hot and humid is key to controlling your monthly energy costs.

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4 Factors That Impact Summer Bills

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Half of your energy usage comes from cooling. Manage your bill by setting your thermostat to cool your home during off-peak hours to keep your home and budget comfortable.

1. Energy Usage

Half of your energy usage comes from cooling. Manage your bill by setting your thermostat to cool your home during off-peak hours to keep your home and budget comfortable.

When things heat up outside, turn your thermostat up a few degrees or to the recommended summer setting of 78 degrees Fahrenheit to keep your energy costs low.

2. Fluctuation in Temps

When things heat up outside, turn your thermostat up a few degrees or to the recommended summer setting of 78 degrees Fahrenheit to keep your energy costs low.

Air conditioners and fans kick into high gear during the hottest days of summer. An energy-efficient cooling system can save you a bundle.

3. Household Changes

Air conditioners and fans kick into high gear during the hottest days of summer. An energy-efficient cooling system can save you a bundle.

Cycles can run from 26 to 35 days, so monthly bills may vary based on the number of days.

4. Monthly Billing Cycle

Cycles can run from 26 to 35 days, so monthly bills may vary based on the number of days.

1. Energy Usage

Half the cost of your energy bill comes from cooling. Adjust your smart thermostat to pre-cool things before you get home to avoid continually running the A/C.

2. Fluctuation in Temps

When things heat up outside, turn your thermostat up a few degrees or to the recommended summer setting of 78 degrees Fahrenheit to keep your energy costs low.

3. Household Changes

Air conditioners and fans kick into high gear during the hottest days of summer. An energy-efficient cooling system can save you a bundle.

4. Monthly Billing Cycle

Cycles can run from 26 to 35 days, so monthly bills may vary based on the number of days.

Safeguard Your Home This Summer

Safety is always our number one priority.

A tree leaf icon.Downed Power Lines & Tree Safety

You need to be mindful of the power lines and trees situated on and around your property. Practice safe protocols when having routine landscaping conducted or dealing with downed power lines.

If wires come down on your property, always assume they’re live and keep everyone at least 25 feet away. Report the problem to us immediately online. If it’s an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

If you plan to trim trees near any power lines, we urge you to consult a professional tree-trimming service. Pole-to-pole overhead power lines carry high-voltage electricity that can seriously or fatally injure you.

An electric plug power strip icon.Practice Plug Safety

If you must use an extension cord, make sure it’s the right capacity for the tool or appliance with which it’s used. Use grounded (three-prong) extension cords for outdoor tools.

Make sure tools, appliances and lights are approved for outdoor use. Outdoor tools and appliances should have heavier wiring, special insulation and a three-prong, grounded plug.

When hanging lights, be sure to survey the area for overhead power lines and maintain at least a 10-foot distance.

Keep all electrical connections off the ground and hang sockets downward to prevent water from seeping into them.

Don’t run electrical cords through door or window openings where they can be damaged.

For added protection, plug outdoor lights into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

Pricing Options Explained

The more you know about your energy use, the more you can save.

Learn about factors that impact your bill.

Learn How to Lower Your DTE Energy Bills

Visit our virtual Interactive Energy-Efficient Home for room-by-room, energy-reducing tips that can help you save all summer long.

Download the free DTE Insight App to track your energy usage and find ways to save even more.

Shop the online DTE Marketplace for instant rebates on energy-efficient products for your home, such as LED bulbs, thermostats, smart outlets and more.

Summer

Keep Energy Usage & Costs Down When Temperatures Rise

Practical Tips for an Energy-Efficient Summer

Woman is adjusting the thermostat in the kitchen.

Raise That Thermostat

During summer months, setting your thermostat to 78° can reduce energy usage. When you’re away, consider dialing the thermostat up a few degrees to save even more. Also, use fans in the evening to keep cool.

Woman is adjusting the thermostat in the kitchen.

Insulate Windows and Doors

Insulation isn't only important in cold winter months. Sealing air leaks keeps warm outside air from getting in, so your home stays cooler. That could save you up to $200 in energy costs annually.

Woman is adjusting the thermostat in the kitchen.

Take the Cooking Outside

The heat generated from cooking indoors on hot summer days raises inside temps so your air conditioning system has to work overtime. Fire up the grill and take a bite out of high energy bills.

Woman is adjusting the thermostat in the kitchen.

Invest in Smart Home Products

From smart lighting and thermostats to sensors and switches, see how adding smart technology to your home offers security, convenience and energy efficiency.

Woman is adjusting the thermostat in the kitchen.

Keep Your AC Running at Its Best

Air conditioning can eat up a large chunk of your electric bill during warmer months. Replace filters at least every three months or sooner if dirty and keep the unit free of debris for peak performance and efficiency.

Woman is adjusting the thermostat in the kitchen.

Brighten Up with LED Lighting

LED light bulbs are more efficient, durable and long-lasting than incandescent bulbs. They’re up to 90% more efficient and provide the same amount of light, while lasting 15 times longer.

Woman is adjusting the thermostat in the kitchen.

Manage your energy use with the DTE Insight app

Download our free DTE Insight App today. The app and its Energy Bridge add-on help you monitor and manage your home energy use in real time.

Woman is adjusting the thermostat in the kitchen.

Looking for more ways to save?

At DTE, we promote home energy efficiency through rebates, discounts, programs and guides, including personalized energy savings tips and our 3D Interactive Energy-Efficient Home.

Frequently-Asked Cooling Questions

If you’re struggling to pay your energy bill, call us at (800) 477-4747 to discuss your bill. We offer several payment assistance programs to help you pay your bill, and we’ll help find a payment plan that best suits your budget and energy needs. We also work with government agencies and community partners to find the right assistance programs for you over the long-term or in a crisis situation.

Yes. If you’re using a gas furnace for heating, the only electrical cost will be what is required to operate the fan motor and igniter. The igniter lights the flame for a moment when the furnace starts up.

That depends on how long you’ll be away. Generally, in the winter you should adjust your thermostat by about 7-10 degrees to around 55° Fahrenheit. This temperature is a good middle ground to keep your home pipes from freezing while also conserving energy.

During the summer, when nobody is home (that includes pets), consider raising the temperature about 5 degrees. If you normally keep it at 75°, increasing it to 80° can result in energy savings. And consider hanging solar shades or curtains to cover all windows and reduce radiant heat absorption.