If you haven't checked Knoxville's forecast recently, allow us to summarize: It's hot, and our AC bills are climbing.

In the never-ending pursuit to save money, we're digging into ways locals can keep summer energy bills financially (and environmentally) friendly.

Water usage

Sure, you can take shorter showers — but we've got a few additional ideas you may not have heard of.

If you drop an ice cube, don’t kick it under the fridge; give it to that new plant you just bought at PlantFest or Stanley's Greenhouse.
Try rainwater harvesting — check out this local guide for beginners.
Explore KUB's Water Savers program, which helps eligible customers manage water and wastewater costs.

Electricity + AC

TVA offers a free DIY Home Energy Assessment to learn more about your home's energy use — once you take the quiz, you'll get a free energy-saving kit with LED light bulbs, insulating socket sealers, and more.

KUB and TVA also partner to offer free weatherization and efficiency improvements to things like HVAC units + insulation. KUB has a goal to weatherize more than 4,500 homes by 2030.

Landscaping

Plants and trees can provide shade for your home + limit the impact of sunrays. If you’d like to maximize shade in your outdoor space, contact local landscaping services like Overhill Gardens or Hardin Valley Lawn & Landscape.

For stormwater maintenance, Knox County offers grants to help pay up to 75% of the cost for repairs or sewer connections on septic systems.

Have tips of your own? Drop us a line and we'll add to this list.