How to make $65 from your thermostat + more ways to save on utilities this summer

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When temperatures climb in Alabama, so do energy bills. Last summer saw the second-hottest July on record for Huntsville and the Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting another hot one for 2026—aka your air conditioner will be working overtime.

The good news is, Huntsville Utilities and TVA can help take the heat off your bill this summer. Keep reading for tips and tricks to keep things cool and your bill low—plus how you can get a FREE smart thermostat and $65+ rebate from TVA!

Easy ways to cut your summer utilities bill

Adopt these smart utilities habits shared by Huntsville Utilities to increase efficiencies and save on your bottom line while still keeping cool:

• Use ceiling or standing fans: Circulate air so your AC doesn’t have to work as hard.
• Close blinds + curtains: Block out warm rays during peak sunlight hours, especially for east and west facing windows.
• Seal off potential air leaks: The gaps around your home’s doors (don’t forget the attic access!) can leak out your precious air-conditioned air, pour in heat from outside and increase humidity inside. Weather stripping or even a rolled up towel can help better insulate your home.
• Maintain your HVAC system: Changing air filters, checking refrigerant levels, cleaning the coils and duct systems, etc. all impact how efficiently your air conditioner runs. Huntsville Utilities suggests having your unit serviced at least every other year.
• Raise your thermostat slightly: Bumping up your thermostat just a couple degrees when you leave home keeps the unit from circulating as often = you save 5% or more on your energy bill. See more on how your thermostat can save (and earn) you money below!

“In high bill season, the main driver is usually the electric portion of your utilities, even if you have natural gas.

If your bill goes up, it was because of extreme outside temps—hot or cold. When there are extreme weather conditions, there is just no way to completely prevent your bill from going up.

Taking smart precautions like these can add up in savings when the summer heat inevitably raises your usage.”

_{Todd Long, Huntsville Utilities}

Get a FREE smart thermostat + over $65 with the TVA EnergyRight® Smart Thermostat Rewards Program

Smart thermostats have been shown to increase the energy efficiency in your home by automatically adjusting the temperature based on both your schedule and real-time weather conditions, reducing unnecessary electricity use (and saving you $$$!).

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has partnered with Huntsville Utilities to bring Huntsville area customers even more savings. By enrolling in the TVA EnergyRight® Smart Thermostat Rewards Program, eligible customers can:

• 💸Get a $65 rebate simply by enrolling in the year-round program, $20 for the summer program
• 💸Get up to a $100 rebate when you purchase + install a new, qualifying smart thermostat (for only $0-$179)
• 💸Earn additional annual participation rebates of $20-$65
• 💸Save money on energy via automatic temperature adjustments during peak-demand times + seasons

👉 Shop 6 FREE SMART THERMOSTATS + more discounted options to get started.

“Smart thermostats are a savvy way to manage your usage, saving you 10%–15% annually on heating and cooling costs.

We encourage all customers to take advantage of the TVA EnergyRight® free thermostats and implement smart usage habits to see savings long term.”

Todd Long, Huntsville Utilities

Note: Enrolling in the program allows TVA to adjust your thermostat up to 4° for a limited period during severe hot weather events. Opt-out available per event. More details here.

Using the HSVUTIL app to monitor usage

Once you’ve stacked these energy saving habits, installed a smart thermostat, and enrolled in the TVA EnergyRight® Smart Thermostat Rewards Program, download the Huntsville Utilities’ HSVUTIL app to:

• Monitor your home’s energy usage per day
• Get important updates + report outages
• Support community members in need through Project Share

How to download

Track your utilities usage in just a few easy steps:

• 📲 Search for “HSVUtil” in your phone’s app store + install
• 💻 Open the app + tap “Don’t have an account? Register now.”
• ➡️ Fill out the registration + tap “continue”
• 🤔 Answer the security questions on the next screen + tap “Register”
• 📧 Find the verification email in your inbox + tap “Verify account”
• 🤫 On the next screen, set your new password + tap “Save”
• 👍 Return to the main screen + log in with your new account!

Keep your cool when you get the bill this summer with Huntsville Utilities – let us know @hvilleblast what energy efficient habits have saved you the most money!

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