Five simple mistakes costing you $100s on your energy bill – just grab aluminum foil, water, & ice, HVAC expert says

SUMMER heat is on full blast, and you may be unknowingly making your energy bills climb by hundreds due to a few simple mistakes.

When attempting to cool your home this hot season, an HVAC expert has shared five common errors plus tips to keep in mind to cut down on your cooling costs – you’ll just need a few household items.

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Homeowners and renters may be unknowingly bumping up their energy costs due to a few common errors[/caption]

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An HVAC expert spoke with The U.S. Sun and shared easy tips to cut electricity costs this summer[/caption]

Americans are being hit with yet another scorching hot summer, facing record high prices to cool their homes, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, or NEADA’s, 2025 report.

From June to September, the average household electricity bill is expected to reach $784.

This represents the highest cost of electricity in 12 years or more and a 6.2% increase from the $737 average in 2024.

Prices have spiked significantly for two main reasons, per NEADA, with the first being that electricity costs are increasing at a quicker rate than inflation.

The second reason is that temperatures are continuing to increase thanks to climate change, which means that cooling homes requires more energy.

Although these factors are out of our control, there are a handful of easy steps that homeowners and renters can take to slash their energy costs.

The U.S. Sun spoke exclusively with Joe Haycock, vice president at Fresh Air Concepts, a company specializing in HVAC and plumbing services, about five common mistakes to avoid and tips that could save you hundreds of dollars on your electricity bill.

1. DON’T LET THE HEAT IN

During cooling seasons, roughly 76% of sunlight that falls on windows enters your home to become heat, according to the US Department of Energy.

One of the common mistakes that Americans make in the summer is letting this heat in, which bumps up their cooling costs.

“One of the most effective ways to keep your home cooler is to block out heat before it gets inside,” said Haycock.

While window coverings such as thick curtains or blinds can help regulate temperatures, Americans frequently make the mistake of leaving them open to let in the natural lighting.

For those who want natural light but are looking to cut down their energy costs, Haycock suggested covering windows with reflective window film or foil.

“Aluminum foil reflects the sun’s rays, preventing them from directly heating the glass and the objects in the room,” said the expert.

“Unlike curtains, foil reflects the actual heat, which is infrared radiation, and sends it back outside.”

2. USE COLD WATER

Haycock offered an easy tip to help achieve a minor cooling effect this summer: using a cool-mist humidifier filled with cold water.

Adding ice can enhance the cooling sensation even more as the humidifier disperses a fine, chilled mist into the air.

This lowers the temperature of the room through the process of evaporation, according to the expert.

“This works best in small rooms and usually lasts about 30 minutes to an hour,” noted Haycock.

While this method can help you save on air conditioning costs or improve sleep at night, it’s most effective in dry climates.

3. AVOID CERTAIN APPLIANCES

Another mistake that could be unknowingly bumping up your cooling costs is generating excessive heat.

Everyday activities such as taking a hot shower or cooking on the stove can heat up the space, said Haycock.

The heat generated by a stove – whether the burners or the oven – for example, will raise the temperature of the surrounding air in your kitchen and can make your home feel warmer.

The excess heat from a stove or hot shower will make your AC work harder to maintain the desired temperature, potentially increasing your energy bill. 

Haycock advised limiting the use of appliances that generate heat, or, if you need to cook or take a warm shower, turn on the exhaust fan in the kitchen or bathroom to help remove hot air and steam.

4. MAKE A DIY COOLING CONTRAPTION

A common misconception when it comes to cooling one’s home or apartment is that fans lower the overall temperature of a room. 

Haycock explained that while fans can make a space feel cooler, they don’t actually decrease the temperature, but rather create a wind chill effect by circulating air.

This can make you feel more comfortable by enhancing sweat evaporation and facilitating your body’s natural cooling process.

Instead of cranking up the AC, you can take this principle a step further by turning your portable fan into a DIY cooler.

“Place bottles of ice water in front of the fan,” instructed Haycock. “As the air passes over them, it cools down and helps the room feel more comfortable.“

5. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE BREEZE

Haycock explained that a common mistake people make is opening their windows to let in a breeze, which can in turn heat up your room and cause a more expensive AC bill.

To take advantage of the summer breeze, the expert suggested a simple, low-cost way to cool down a room: hanging a damp sheet in front of an open window.

“As air moves through the fabric, it is cooled by evaporation, creating a light cooling effect,” said Haycock.

Check out another common mistake you’re making that is spiking your energy bill – and it’s been confirmed by an AC tech.

Plus, check out why the price of AC units is skyrocketing due to a new “refrigerant” rule – and you face a hefty fee even if you already own one.

NEADA

Energy bills are expected to reach an average of $784 this summer[/caption]