Summer temperatures — and inflation — are running hot. Here's how to save money on cooling bills as prices rise

Abstract

U.S. consumers are also dealing with the highest inflation in 40 years, pushing up prices on everything from energy costs to food. In May, energy costs were up nearly 35% from a year earlier, with gasoline and fuel oil contributing the most to that elevated increase. Energy services costs are up 16% year over year, and electricity is 12% higher, according to the consumer price index report for last month. Most cooling systems use electricity, so making sure your home is running as efficiently as possible can help you spend less to operate air conditioners and fans, according to Kelly Speakes-Backman, principal deputy assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Homeowners may benefit from having a home energy assessment or audit, in which a professional comes to your home and makes recommendations to improve its energy efficiency. Homeowners should make sure they look at resources that can help with energy costs. There are weatherization programs such as the Energy Star home upgrade , which is available for low-income households and can reduce energy costs by an average of $500 per year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.