Heatwave Frugality: 19 Ways to Save Big This Summer

Summer is a time of relaxation, warmth, and the great outdoors. However, it can also inflate our spending if we’re not careful.

But don’t worry savvy savers; I have you covered. In this post, we’ll look at 19 clever ways to keep your summer budget happy while still enjoying all the pleasures the season has to offer.

From budget-friendly activities to energy-saving home adjustments, this post offers 19 simple and practical ways to manage summer spending and put a little cash back into your wallet without sacrificing summer fun or comfort.

19 Ways to Save Money During the Summer

​1) Create a Summer Budget

Establishing a summer savings plan for your family is essential. Setting spending limits will help you stay on track and prioritize your spending.

Consider things like your kids’ summer activities, travel plans, and any extra expenses that may arise during the season.

2) Keep Shades or Curtains Closed

Keeping your shades or curtains closed during the summer can save money by reducing the amount of heat entering your home through windows.

When sunlight enters a room, it heats up surfaces, causing indoor temperatures to rise, which makes your air conditioning work harder to sustain a comfortable environment.

By blocking sunlight with shades or curtains, you can significantly reduce solar heat gain, thereby lowering your utility bills.

3) Cook Outside on Your Grill

Cooking inside during the summer can heat up your home, forcing your air conditioner to work harder and drive up your energy bill. Instead, embrace the warmth of summer and cook outside on your grill.

Grilling is not only a fun way to prepare meals but also keeps the heat outside where it belongs. Plus, you’ll save money on electricity or gas costs by avoiding cooking indoors.

4) Grow Your Own Produce

Planting a garden and growing your own vegetables and fruit can save you money at the grocery store and also reduce your carbon footprint. By planting a garden, you can enjoy fresh produce all summer long without having to purchase expensive store-bought options.

Plus, gardening is a great way to get outside and stay active during the warm months.

5) Consider a Staycation 

Skip the expense of a costly summer vacation and amusement parks and opt for a staycation instead.

Explore your own city or nearby areas and take advantage of free attractions, local events, outdoor concerts, and activities to stay entertained without breaking the bank.

You can also save money by visiting state parks, national parks, or hiking trails instead of paying for expensive theme park tickets.

6) Use Fans

Instead of cranking up the air conditioner, try utilizing fans and open windows to circulate air and keep your home cool.

Fans use much less electricity than air conditioners, so running fans to circulate air can significantly reduce your cooling costs.

7) Suspend Your Gym Membership

With the warm weather and longer days, take advantage of exercising outside instead of at a gym. Suspend your gym membership for the summer months to save money while still staying active.

Go for a walk or run in your neighborhood, hike on local trails, or try outdoor yoga classes. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get some Vitamin D from the sun and enjoy the beauty of nature.

8) Host Potluck Parties   

If you’re looking for a fun and affordable way to enjoy delicious food with loved ones this summer, why not consider hosting a potluck party?

It’s a great way to save money on dining out while also giving everyone a chance to share their favorite dishes. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to socialize and enjoy the company of friends and family members without spending a lot of money.

9) Adjust Your Thermostat 

If you must use your air conditioner during the summer, make sure to keep it at an appropriate temperature. The Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat to 78 degrees during the day and 82 degrees while sleeping.

You can also purchase a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature when you’re away from home to reduce energy usage further and save on your electric bill.

10) Cook With an Air Fryer or Crockpot

Cooking with an air fryer or crockpot can save money in the summer for several reasons. These appliances typically use less energy than traditional ovens or stovetops, reducing your overall electricity consumption and helping to lower your energy costs.

Since air fryers and crockpots are more energy-efficient and produce less heat than conventional cooking methods, they can help keep your kitchen cooler during hot summer days, reducing the need for additional cooling from your air conditioner.

11) Use Rain Barrels Instead of Sprinklers

Watering your yard and garden can account for a significant portion of your summer water bill.

Instead of using sprinklers, consider investing in rain barrels or plastic kiddie pools to collect and store rainwater. You can then use the collected rainwater to hydrate your plants and yard during dry spells.

12) Go Camping

Camping can be cheaper than going on a regular family vacation for several reasons. Camping typically eliminates the need for expensive accommodation because campsites often charge lower fees compared to a pricey hotel room or resort.

Families can also save money on dining out by bringing their own food and preparing meals over a campfire or portable stove.

Many campsites also offer a range of low-cost or free activities, such as hiking, swimming, and exploring nature, which provide entertainment without the need for expensive attractions or theme parks.

13) Skip the Clothes Dryer

During summer, take advantage of the warm weather and sunshine by hanging your clothes outside to dry instead of using your clothes dryer. Not only does this save energy, but it also helps preserve the lifespan of your clothing.

If you must use your clothes dryer, try to limit usage to cooler hours in the morning or evening when electricity demand is lower.

14) Have Your A/C System Serviced

Regular air conditioning maintenance ensures efficient and effective operation, lowering energy consumption.

Have your A/C unit professionally inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent potential breakdowns during the hot summer months. It will save you not only energy costs but also potentially costly repairs.

15) Take Advantage of Summer Produce 

Take advantage of summer produce by making salads and other cold dishes that require minimal cooking.

By skipping the use of your stove, you can save on electricity bills while also enjoying fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables. Look for deals at your local farmer’s market or grocery store to stock up on affordable produce options.

16) Ditch Your Cable and Streaming Subscriptions

Opt for outdoor movie nights instead of binge-watching shows on cable or streaming services. Using a sheet and projector, you can get creative and make DIY outdoor movie screens in your backyard.

Not only will you save money on expensive subscriptions, but you’ll also get to enjoy the warm summer nights with loved ones.

17) Use a Cooler for drinks

In the summer, kids love to open the fridge door repeatedly to grab drinks, and it’s totally understandable. However, it can also lead to higher energy consumption and increased electricity bills. Every time the fridge door is opened, cold air escapes, and the compressor has to work harder to maintain the temperature inside.

Instead of constantly opening and closing the fridge for drinks, try putting them in a cooler. Fill the cooler with ice packs to keep everything nice and cold. You can also use empty 2-liter soda containers, fill them with water, and freeze them. Then, you can toss them in the cooler, and they’ll help keep everything chilly.

18) Hand Wash Dishes

Dishwashers use a lot of electricity to heat water for washing and drying dishes. It can result in higher energy consumption, especially during peak usage hours when electricity rates tend to be higher.

Additionally, running the dishwasher can increase the temperature inside your home, causing your air conditioning system to work harder to keep you comfortable, leading to higher energy bills during warmer months.

Hand-washing dishes and letting them air-dry in the summer can save a significant amount on your electric bill.

19) Explore Budget-Friendly Vacation Ideas

If you do plan on taking a vacation, consider exploring budget-friendly options such as road trips or staying with friends and family. These options can still provide a fun and relaxing vacation without breaking the bank.

Also, look for the best deals and discounts on travel and accommodations to save even more money.

Final Thoughts 

There are plenty of ways to save money during the hot summer months without sacrificing fun and enjoyment.

By being conscious of your energy usage, opting for staycations, maintaining your A/C system, growing your own produce, and cooking outdoors, you can make this summer more affordable.

Remember, being conscious of your spending doesn’t mean missing out on fun and enjoyment. With some small changes, you can still have a great summer without hurting your bank account.