Utility Bills Projected to Rise 8 Percent This Summer

Utility bills are projected to rise 8 percent this summer, according to Patrick Gambel, owner of New Orleans-based General Heating & Air Conditioning. Two straight months of rising inflation have already strained consumer spending, with soaring gas prices prompting roughly half of Americans to cut back on household expenses.

1 minutes and uses about 32 gallons of water, costing roughly 70 cents per shower, according to a 2024 Harris poll and data from Badeloft. Reducing shower length from 16 minutes to four minutes could save a four-person household around $60 a month. Additional steps include using less water in bathtubs and turning off the faucet while brushing teeth or washing dishes.

Utility gas prices rose 3 percent year-on-year in the latest inflation report. Gambel said lowering shower water temperature from very hot to warm and reducing overall hot-water use can cut gas costs. The Harris poll found 69 percent of Americans prefer water temperature very hot or as hot as they can tolerate.

Smart thermostats can save up to 8 percent on energy bills, or about $13 monthly based on the $163 average May 2026 electricity bill reported by Electric Choice. For homes without smart thermostats, setting the device to “Auto” and replacing air filters monthly improves efficiency, Gambel said.

Gambel also suggested placing a bucket or bowl of ice under a fan in smaller rooms to circulate cooler air without increasing air-conditioning use. He noted the method provides temporary comfort but does not replace an AC system.