Small Changes, Big Savings: Expert Shares Tips to Cut Your Energy Bill This Summer

• Asia Tabb
  BioRecent Stories

  

  Asia Tabb is the Host and Producer for WITF’s The Spark.
  
  She began her start in radio when she joined legendary radio/ host producer, Doc Christian. She worked closely with Doc for her role on “The Gospel Express, on WHOV 88.1 FM and was a host for “Unrestricted Praise” at Praise FM.
  
  Previously she was an anchor in Shreveport, Louisiana at KTAL/KMSS. Asia also worked as a Multi-Media Journalist at WHP-TV here in Harrisburg, PA.
  
  Asia got her break into news at KTVO in Ottumwa, Ia. While the 2020 caucuses were gearing up. Asia followed many candidates through their campaign trail from Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and 46th President of the United States Joe Biden.
  
  Asia was born and raised in Norfolk, Va. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2018 with a major in Communications.
  
  Asia is extremely friendly so don’t be afraid to say hi if you see her out and about.

Hand turning a thermostat knob to increase savings by decreasing energy consumption. Composite image between a hand photography and a 3D background.

Aired; June 27th, 2025.

Listen to the podcast for the full conversation. 

With summer temperatures climbing and heat waves becoming more frequent, energy bills can quickly get out of hand. But there are simple, affordable ways to stay cool without breaking the bank.

Dan McCunney, Senior Communications Manager at NRG Energy, joined The Spark to share expert tips on how to lower energy usage while staying comfortable indoors.

“It can make a huge difference,” McCunney said about adjusting your thermostat. “Just putting your thermostat up a couple of degrees can make a big difference in your energy bill—especially during extended heat waves.”

According to McCunney, the ideal thermostat range during summer depends on whether you’re home or away.

“If you’re going to be away from your house during the day—say at work or on vacation—you can set it higher, around 75 to 78 degrees,” he explained. “If you’re home in the evening or at night, something between 72 and 75 degrees is usually ideal for comfort.”

He also recommends investing in a smart thermostat, which can automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule.

“You can manage your thermostat remotely through an app. It helps reduce energy use when you’re not home and cool things down before you return,” McCunney said.

Using large appliances like dishwashers and dryers during off-peak hours—between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.—can also lower your bill.

“These machines generate heat and use a lot of electricity. Running them overnight is an easy win,” McCunney said.

Finally, for residents in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, McCunney encourages shopping for the right energy provider.

“You don’t have to stick with your utility,” he said. “Sites like papowerswitch.com let you compare prices and plans based on what matters to you—whether it’s renewable energy, rewards points, or charitable giving.”