The Most Expensive Hours of Your Day

Why late afternoon matters for your electric bill 

By late afternoon, your home has been absorbing heat for hours.

Your air conditioner is working hard. The kitchen may be heating up for dinner. Laundry, TVs, lights and devices start coming online as everyone settles in for the evening.

That stretch between about 3 and 7 p.m. is often the busiest energy-use window in many homes during the summer, and it’s when small adjustments can make the biggest difference.

What’s driving the spike?

• Outdoor temperatures are still near their peak

• Your home has built up heat throughout the day

• More appliances and electronics are running at once

• Cooking and laundry can add additional heat indoors

How to reduce usage during peak hours:

Shift what you can
Run dishwashers, laundry and other heavy appliances later in the evening or earlier in the day when possible.

Pre-cool your home
Lower your thermostat slightly earlier in the afternoon, then raise it a degree or two during peak hours.

Avoid adding extra heat
Use a microwave, slow cooker or grill instead of the oven when possible.

Block afternoon sunlight
Close blinds or curtains on west-facing windows during the hottest part of the day.

Use fans to stay comfortable
Ceiling fans and portable fans can help you feel cooler at slightly higher thermostat settings.

You may not notice these patterns day to day, but your home’s electrical system does. A few small changes during the busiest hours of the day can help reduce strain on your cooling system and lower overall energy use over time.