Staying Cool While Keeping Energy Use in Check

As summer temperatures settle in later this month, many Columbia households will start using more energy to keep their homes comfortable. Cooling is important, especially during long stretches of hot weather, but it can also be one of the biggest drivers of home electricity use. A few practical steps can help residents stay cool, reduce wasted energy, and better understand how to take advantage of CoMo utility programs.

A good place to start is with a free residential energy assessment from the City of Columbia Utilities. The assessment is available to all City of Columbia Utilities customers and provides energy- and water-efficiency tips specific to your home. During an on-site visit, a utilities staff member reviews your electric and water consumption history, evaluates the home's interior and exterior, assesses weatherization needs, and shares strategies to reduce usage. Phone consultations are also available.

This can be especially helpful if you have wondered why your utility bills are high, whether your home has enough insulation, how much your appliances cost to run, or whether a smart thermostat would make sense. Many of the recommended improvements are simple, low-cost, do-it-yourself projects that can help make your home more efficient. 

Thermostat settings are another important part of summer energy management. Columbia Utilities’ energy efficiency tips recommend setting your thermostat to 78 degrees, or as high as possible while still maintaining comfort. When you are away for four hours or more, raise the temperature to 84 degrees. That sounds high, but you will find that maintaining a higher-but-stable temperature can be surprisingly comfortable amidst the summer temps climbing outside your windows. A programmable or smart thermostat can help make those adjustments automatically, instead of relying on manual changes throughout the day.

Residents considering an upgrade can also review Columbia Utilities’ Residential Programs and Tools, which include information on smart thermostat rebates, air conditioner and heat pump rebates, attic insulation, home performance programs, efficient electrification, and energy efficiency for rental homes. This page is the one-stop shop for energy savings – don't miss out on these opportunities this summer.

Small daily habits can also reduce the amount of work your cooling system has to do. Keep shades down over windows that get direct sunlight. Use heat-producing appliances, such as ovens and dishwashers, in the early morning or late evening when possible. Clear weeds and other obstructions from around outdoor air conditioning units, and have refrigerant levels checked annually by a qualified HVAC contractor. Over time, planting deciduous shade trees on the south and west sides of a home can also help reduce heat from direct sun.

For residents who want to support cleaner energy beyond efficiency improvements, Columbia Utilities’ Community Solar program offers another option. Community Solar allows City of Columbia Utilities electric customers to subscribe to renewable energy without installing or maintaining solar panels at home. It can be a useful option for renters, residents with shaded roofs, or anyone who wants access to clean, renewable energy without taking on a private installation.

Staying cool does not have to mean using more energy than necessary. This month, consider taking one of these steps: request a free energy assessment, adjust your thermostat schedule, review available rebates, use summer efficiency tips, or explore Community Solar. Together, these actions can help households manage costs while supporting a more efficient, healthy, and resilient Columbia.