Why Your Utility Bills Spike During the Summer in South Jersey (And What You Can Do About It)

Every summer, it happens.

You open your electric bill or water bill and wonder the same thing:

“How did it get this high?”

If you’re like many homeowners across Cherry Hill, Marlton, Voorhees, Medford, Moorestown, Mt. Laurel, Berlin, and throughout South Jersey, summer often brings the highest utility bills of the year. While warmer weather certainly plays a role, it’s usually not just the heat that’s driving costs upward.

Your air conditioner is working harder, your family is using more water, and small inefficiencies around your home can quietly add hundreds of dollars to your annual utility expenses.

The good news? Many of these increases are preventable.

Why Your Electric Bill Increases During the Summer

Air conditioning is the single largest contributor to summer energy costs.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, cooling accounts for approximately 12% of the average home’s annual energy expenses nationwide, but during the hottest months, air conditioning can represent 40% to 70% of a home’s monthly electric bill, depending on the age and efficiency of the system.

Several factors can cause your HVAC system to work much harder than necessary:

• Dirty air filters restricting airflow

• Low refrigerant levels

• Dirty condenser coils

• Aging equipment

• Poor insulation

• Leaky ductwork

• Thermostats set lower than needed

Even something as simple as replacing a clogged filter can improve airflow and reduce unnecessary strain on your system.

The Department of Energy also estimates homeowners can save up to 10% annually by adjusting their thermostat 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day while they’re away from home.

Why Your Water Bill Goes Up in the Summer

It’s not just your electric bill. Summer typically brings a noticeable increase in household water usage.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water every day, and approximately 30% of that is used outdoors. During peak summer months, outdoor watering alone can account for 50% to 70% of total household water use.

Beyond watering lawns and gardens, summer often means:

• More frequent showers

• Kids home from school

• Filling pools

• Extra laundry

• More dishwasher use

• Washing cars

• Outdoor hose usage

If your water bill has increased dramatically without a change in your routine, it could indicate a plumbing issue rather than seasonal usage.

Small Plumbing Problems Can Cost Big Money

One of the biggest contributors to higher water bills is hidden leaks.

The EPA estimates that household leaks waste nearly one trillion gallons of water every year in the United States.

Something as small as:

• A running toilet

• A dripping faucet

• A leaking outdoor spigot

• An underground irrigation leak

can quietly waste thousands of gallons over time.

For example, a faucet dripping once every second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water each year.

Many homeowners don’t notice these issues until their monthly bill arrives.

Older HVAC Systems Cost More to Operate

If your air conditioner is more than 10 to 15 years old, rising utility costs may simply be the result of declining efficiency.

Modern high-efficiency HVAC systems are designed to deliver the same level of comfort while using significantly less energy than older equipment.

Even if your system is still running, increased operating costs can sometimes outweigh the savings of delaying replacement.

Routine maintenance can also make a significant difference by keeping components clean, identifying small problems before they become expensive repairs, and helping your system operate at peak efficiency throughout the summer.

Simple Ways to Lower Your Summer Utility Bills

A few proactive steps can make a noticeable difference:

HVAC Tips

• Change your air filter regularly.

• Schedule annual air conditioning maintenance.

• Keep outdoor condenser units free of debris.

• Seal air leaks around windows and doors.

• Use programmable or smart thermostats.

• Keep blinds closed during the hottest part of the day.

  
  

Plumbing Tips

• Check toilets for silent leaks.

• Repair dripping faucets promptly.

• Inspect outdoor hose bibs and irrigation systems.

• Run full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine.

• Consider upgrading to WaterSense-certified fixtures.

• Watch for unexplained increases in your water bill.

  
  

Keep More Money in Your Pocket This Summer

Higher summer utility bills aren’t always unavoidable.

Many of the biggest cost increases come from small issues that can be corrected before they become expensive problems. Whether it’s an air conditioner that’s working overtime or a plumbing leak that’s quietly wasting water, addressing the issue early can improve efficiency, lower monthly utility costs, and help prevent unexpected repairs.

At Filan & Conner Plumbing, HVAC & Bathroom Remodeling, we’ve been helping homeowners throughout Berlin, Cherry Hill, Marlton, Voorhees, Moorestown, Medford, Mt. Laurel, Haddonfield, and surrounding South Jersey communities stay comfortable and save money for more than 50 years.

Whether you need A/C maintenance, HVAC repair, plumbing service, leak detection, drain cleaning, or a system replacement, our experienced team is here to help.

Schedule Your Summer Home Comfort Checkup

Don’t wait until your next utility bill catches you by surprise.

Call Filan & Conner today at 856-768-2888 or email Info@FilanConner.com to schedule your HVAC or plumbing service. Our team proudly serves homeowners throughout South Jersey with trusted, professional home comfort solutions backed by more than five decades of experience.

Your home should work for you, not against your wallet. Let Filan & Conner help you stay comfortable, efficient, and worry-free all summer long.