How Summer Energy Bills Can Affect Homebuyers—and How to Make Your Listing More Efficient

Do you know that the average monthly residential electricity bill in the United States is approximately $182? This is according to J.D. Power's U.S. Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study in 2024. This marks a significant increase from the 2023 average of $138 reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) .​

And do you know that as of early 2025, the average monthly electric bill in Texas is approximately $165.82, based on an average usage of 1,146 kWh per month and an average rate of 14.46 cents per kWh . This is slightly above the national average, which is around $144 per month.​

There are several elements that contribute to higher electricity costs in Texas:

• Climate: The state's hot summers lead to increased use of air conditioning, significantly raising electricity consumption.​Energy Texas+7Choose Texas Power+7BKV Energy+7

• Home Size: With an average home size of 2,170 square feet, Texas residents typically use more energy for heating and cooling .​BKV Energy

• Deregulated Market: In deregulated areas, consumers can choose their electricity providers, which can lead to varying rates and potential savings opportunities.

As the weather heats up, so do concerns over energy bills—and for prospective homebuyers, those worries can weigh heavily on the decision to make an offer. High summer energy costs can be a red flag, especially for buyers already stretching their budgets to afford rising home prices. But there’s good news: with a few smart upgrades and tweaks, sellers can ease those concerns and position their home as an energy-efficient standout.

For many homebuyers, especially first-timers, monthly costs are just as important as the asking price. A house with outdated windows, an overworked AC unit, or poor insulation can rack up high summer utility bills—making it more expensive to live in than it looks on paper.

Buyers are increasingly looking at a home’s energy profile to evaluate long-term affordability. If your property has sky-high electricity bills in June, July, and August, that could translate into hesitation—or even lower offers.

What Buyers Are Looking For?

Energy efficiency is no longer a niche concern. According to recent surveys, buyers pay close attention to:

• HVAC system age and efficiency

• Window quality and insulation

• Smart thermostats

• Energy-efficient appliances

• Solar panels or pre-wiring

• Utility bills or energy usage history

When buyers see that a home is easy on utilities, they feel more confident about the purchase—and less worried about surprise costs after move-in.

5 Ways to Make Your Listing More Energy Efficient

Here’s how to get ahead of summer concerns and boost your home’s appeal:

1. Tune Up the AC

Have your HVAC system professionally serviced before listing. Not only will it run more efficiently (saving the future owner money), but you can also include the recent maintenance as a selling point.

2. Install a Smart Thermostat

A simple upgrade that costs less than $250 can immediately modernize your home. Smart thermostats help reduce energy consumption and appeal to tech-savvy buyers.

3. Seal Windows and Doors

Weatherstripping and caulking are inexpensive fixes that can reduce drafts and cooling loss. Highlight any recent sealing or insulation work in your listing description.

4. Add Energy Star Appliances

If your refrigerator, washer, or dishwasher is due for an upgrade, opt for Energy Star-rated models. Buyers love knowing they won’t need to replace major appliances right away—and they’ll benefit from lower utility bills.

5. Show Off Your Bills (If They’re Low!)

If your home is already energy-efficient, show it off! Providing a 12-month history of electricity usage can be a powerful tool to reassure buyers, especially in hot summer markets.

Summer energy bills are more than just a seasonal annoyance—they can make or break a buyer’s perception of your home’s value. By making small improvements and highlighting energy-efficient features, you can attract more interest, justify your asking price, and move toward a smoother sale.

In the scorching Texas summer, high utility bills can be a red flag for homebuyers. But with a few strategic upgrades—like smart thermostats, energy-efficient windows, or improved insulation—you can turn a potential concern into a powerful selling point. Showcasing your home’s efficiency not only boosts its appeal but also helps buyers feel more confident in their investment.

At HomeBase Team, powered by Place, we help sellers highlight what matters most to today’s buyers—including cost-saving features that make your listing stand out.
📞 Let’s talk today about how to position your home for a smarter, faster summer sale.