Lower Your Energy Bills - Summertime Home Prep!

TAYLOR LAMBERT March 25, 2026

It's been hot! 90 degrees in March is bananas! If last week was any preview, it's going to be a spicy one this year! The good news is we live in the Bay Area, so we are not dealing with extreme weather, but that also means a little bit of maintenance now on your home can go a long way and save you some money in the process.

First up is your dryer vent. Not the lint trap, hopefully we are all doing that one already, but the actual vent line. If it has not been cleaned in a while, there is a decent chance it's packed with lint. That is not just inefficient, it's a real fire hazard. On top of that, your dryer has to work harder, which means higher energy bills and more wear and tear. A proper cleaning is usually under 200 dollars, and it can actually cut drying time noticeably, which is one of those rare situations where you save money and reduce risk at the same time. If you're a DIYer, here's a link on how to clean it: The Best Way To Clean Your Dryer Vent

Next is your AC unit, which is about to become your best friend on those David Hasselhoff (hot) days. If it hasn't been looked at in a while, it is worth a quick check. Even something as simple as swapping out the filter or clearing debris around the outdoor unit can make a difference. When systems run efficiently, they use less energy and are much less likely to break right when you need them most, which always seems to be the hottest day of the year.

Gutters are another one people usually associate with winter, but they matter just as much heading into summer here. Dry leaves and debris sitting in your gutters or around your home are basically fuel if a fire ever gets close. Taking a little time to clear things out and create some space around your home can make a big difference. Not the most exciting weekend project, but definitely one of the more important ones.

One of the easiest and cheapest things you can do is seal up air leaks around your windows and doors. You would be surprised how much cool air quietly escapes through tiny gaps. A little weatherstripping or caulking goes a long way, and it is one of those under-50-dollar fixes that can actually lower your energy bill without you really noticing anything, other than your house staying cooler.

Bottom line, a few small things now can help you stay cooler, safer, and avoid bigger and more expensive problems later. Plus, anything that chips away at a PG&E bill these days is a win.

If you ever want recommendations for vendors, help figuring out what is worth doing and what is not, or just have a random home question, feel free to reach out anytime.