As Electric Bills Soar, Homeowners Search for Money-Saving Ways to Stay Cool this Summer

It's summer, and as the temperature rises, so too do energy bills.According to a recent survey from SupplyHouse, nearly three out of four homeowners (77%) say summer energy bills are causing them financial stress. Additionally, 65% say they've already cut back on things like dining out/takeout (49%), shopping (35%), subscriptions (27%) and even groceries (18%) to offset increased energy costs.The result is that many homeowners are searching for ways to stay cool without breaking the bank. "I will admit I've been in front of the fridge longer than any grown adult should just to feel something cold on my face," says Grant Wycliff, president of technology infrastructure provider Carolina Georgia Sound. "Georgia summers are not to be trifled with. This year I made a deal with myself that I wasn't turning the AC on until I absolutely had to, and I held out until the house hit 84 degrees at 9pm on a Tuesday."Wycliffe isn't alone in trying to delay turning in the AC to save money. In fact, 39% of surveyed homeowners admitted to trying that tactic, among others like relying on fans and reducing use of appliances.But while creative, not all of these strategies are effective. Read on to lear...