City Cast Salt Lake logo

How To Save Money on Your Summer Power Bill

Posted on July 22
Terina Ria

Terina Ria

Rocky Mountain Powers says 78 is great. (Grace Cary/Getty Images)

A person adjusts a digital thermostat displaying 78 degrees on a wall in a bright home. The living room in the background is softly blurred, with large windows and seating visible.

This article is sponsored by Rocky Mountain Power

Summer temps in Utah are high, but your power bill doesn’t have to be. A few small changes around the house can make a noticeable difference without sacrificing comfort.

Raise Your Thermostat

One of the easiest ways to lower your power bill is setting your air conditioner a few degrees higher. Rocky Mountain Power says 78 is great, and a smart thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature when you’re away.

Bonus: Replace or clean filters monthly and consider a seasonal tune-up to help your AC run more efficiently.

Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water

Most loads don't need hot water, so switching to cold can save energy. And don’t forget to clean the dryer’s lint trap after every load.

Bonus: Save your energy-intensive chores, like laundry and dish washing, for the evening when your house is cooler.

Outsmart the Sun

West-facing windows during the summers can be brutal. Keep the blinds or curtains closed during the day, then crack the windows in the evening to let cooler air in.

Bonus: Avoid the oven on hot days and use a toaster oven, microwave, or grill instead.

Trim Energy Waste

Electronics keep draining power even when they’re off, so unplug devices you aren’t using or connect them to a power strip for an easy shutoff.

Bonus: Lower your water heater to 120 degrees. You’ll still have plenty of hot water, but with lower energy costs.

Share article

Hey Salt Lake

Stay connected to City Cast Salt Lake and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.
Advertisement image

Salt Lake Life Hacks

See All
Salt Lake Life HacksMarch 23

Where To Register Your Kids for Summer Camp

If you’re a parent, summer is probably already creeping onto your calendar. The time to register your kid in summer camp is now. Here are...

Kids playing tug of war.
Salt Lake Life HacksMarch 17

Who’s Hiring in Salt Lake?

Looking for a new gig? We’ve rounded up a handful of local job openings.

snowboarder mid air.
Salt Lake Life HacksMarch 16

How To Get Ready for Spring in Salt Lake

Friday marks the first day of spring — though, did we even get a winter? Either way, the new season comes with its own to-do list. Here’s...

Pear tree flower.
Salt Lake Life HacksFebruary 23

Who’s Hiring in Salt Lake?

Looking for a new job? We’ve rounded up a handful of career opportunities in Salt Lake that will have you flying in the sky or face to fa...

Close-up of a digital audio mixing console
Salt Lake Life HacksDecember 29, 2025

How To Responsibly Dispose of Holiday Waste

Your house is filled with rumpled wrapping paper and your Christmas tree is dropping pine needles all over your rug. Now what? Here are s...

Christmas tree next to a garbage overflowing with wrapping paper.
Salt Lake Life HacksDecember 22, 2025

No Snow? No Problem. Get in the Winter Spirit With These Seasonal Activities

Despite unseasonably warm temperatures, it’s still winter in Salt Lake. Here are a few activities you can do to embrace that winter feeli...

Kids waiting outside an ice skating rink.
Salt Lake Life HacksDecember 15, 2025

Your Last-Minute Gift Guide

Still scrambling for a holiday gift? Don’t panic! It’s not too late to grab something special from a local shop in Salt Lake. Here’s your...

Person tying bow on a gift.
Salt Lake Life HacksNovember 17, 2025

Local Hacks for Holiday Hosting

Holiday hosting made easy! Get local Salt Lake tips for liquor runs, pre-made meals, disposable supplies, and budget-friendly décor.

A table set with various assortments of Thanksgiving foods.

The latest in Salt Lake

Keep It LocalAugust 13

Independent, Niche Bookstores on the Rise

Beyond shelves of epic fantasy, sci-fi, and horror, the shop hosts author events, book clubs, game nights, writing groups, and community...

A gray stucco and red brick house with umbrellas and lounge chairs outside. The building has a Pride flag and a Star Wars Rebel flag, among others. The sign above the door reads “Legendarium.”
Keep It LocalAugust 13

From Pop-Ups to a Permanent Home: Crowne Books’ Big Literary Vision

Crowne Books was founded by award-winning editor, publisher, and romance author Olivia Nightingale to amplify books by and about the Afri...

Collage graphic features a Black woman with braids and glasses wearing a red sweatshirt. She is holding two books with Black people on the covers, one titled “Africa Risen” and the other title is obscured. She smiles at the camera in front of a shelf of other books, also featuring Black people on the covers. In the graphic, this photo is framed by a collage of book covers.
Salt Lake, ExplainedAugust 11

Utah Deep Cuts You Should Know About

From Salt Lake’s tornado desk to Destiny’s Child at the State Fair, revisit four surprising moments from Utah history.

Tornado damage in Salt Lake City shows shattered windows at the Delta Center and downed power lines.
Keep It LocalAugust 6

Back-to-School Shopping For Every Budget

People with a corporate office job who just really love school supplies (🙋🏼‍♀️)

Back to school local shopping guide banner
Keep It LocalAugust 6

Parry’s Office Supplies is for Analog Lovers

Tucked away in Holladay, Parry’s Office Supplies is a longtime family-owned shop that has quietly become one of Utah's best-kept secrets...

The storefront of Parry’s Office Supplies
Salt Lake's BestAugust 4

Your Guide to Salt Lake in August 2026

Make the most of August in Salt Lake with festival, art shows, mountain barbecue, and more.

A large green, blue, and white inflatable arch reads “DIY Fest” and marks the entrance to the Craft Lake City DIY Festival.
Salt Lake's BestAugust 1

The 9 Line Business Passport

What better way to celebrate a day all about Salt Lake City than by supporting local businesses?

Keep It LocalJuly 30

Wasatch Food Co-op Brings A Community-Owned Grocery to 900 South

The arrival of the Wasatch Food Co-op this year gave the city its first community-owned grocery store and a year-round home for local food.

Wasatch Food Co Op's Sign