Understanding Rising Energy Costs in Maryland —And What You Can Do About It This Summer

8/11/2025

Why Are Energy Bills Increasing?

Homeowners across Maryland have been shocked by higher-than-expected utility bills—not just in winter, but year-round. This summer, many are seeing steep spikes during peak cooling months. While some of this can be attributed to hotter temperatures and normal seasonal fluctuations, the reality is that rising energy costs are a long-term concern.

According to BGE, recent rate hikes—including an increased EmPOWER Maryland fee—are adding to energy bills. But the most significant contributor? Inefficiencies in your home’s energy use.
 The good news is—you can take control of that.

A home energy audit can pinpoint where your home is wasting energy and provide targeted solutions to lower your energy costs. In this article, we’ll break down:

  • Why your energy bills are rising (beyond just the rate hikes)
     
  • How a home energy audit identifies hidden energy waste
     
  • Key home improvements that make the biggest impact on your energy bill
     

If you’re frustrated with high energy costs, read on to learn how you can take action now—before the summer heat costs you even more.


Why Your Energy Bills Are Higher This Summer

Many Maryland homeowners assume their energy bills are high simply because of rate increases—but that’s only part of the picture. Here’s why your cooling bills may be surging this August:

1. Hotter Days Mean Your HVAC System Works Harder

This summer has brought prolonged stretches of high heat and humidity. When outdoor temperatures hit the 90s, your air conditioning system works overtime to keep your indoor spaces cool—especially if your home is poorly insulated or leaking air.

If your cooling system is constantly running, it may be fighting a losing battle against outside air infiltration and escaping conditioned air.

2. Air Leaks & Poor Insulation Are Draining Your Energy

Many older Maryland homes, especially in areas like Frederick, were built long before energy efficiency was a standard practice. In these homes, insufficient attic insulation, drafty windows, and gaps around ducts or recessed lights allow cool air to escape and hot air to enter—raising your energy use and your bills.

A home energy audit can show you:

  • Where cool air is escaping and hot air is coming in
     
  • If your attic insulation is up to current standards
     
  • Whether your ductwork is leaking cooled air before it even reaches the vents
     

3. Your HVAC System May Not Be Running Efficiently

Even newer HVAC systems lose efficiency if they’re poorly sized, installed, or maintained. A sluggish or unbalanced system wastes energy—and your money.

During an energy audit, we test:

  • The performance and efficiency of your HVAC
     
  • How well your ductwork is sealed
     
  • Whether switching to a heat pump could lower year-round energy costs
     

How a Home Energy Audit Can Help You Save

If your energy bill keeps climbing and you’re not sure why, a home energy audit is your best next step.

What Is a Home Energy Audit?

A home energy audit is a comprehensive inspection that uses advanced tools to reveal how and where your home is losing energy. At Atlas Home Energy Solutions, our professional energy audit includes:

  • Blower Door Test – Measures air leakage
     
  • Thermal Imaging – Pinpoints insulation gaps
     
  • Duct Testing – Identifies leaks in your air distribution system
     
  • HVAC Testing – Evaluates system performance
     
  • Insulation Review – Checks if your home is protected against extreme summer heat
     

The Most Effective Upgrades to Lower Your Summer Energy Bills

Once you know where your home is inefficient, you can make smart upgrades that deliver real savings—this summer and year-round.

1. Air Sealing & Insulation Upgrades

  • Seal gaps to stop cooled air from escaping
     
  • Boost attic insulation to reduce heat transfer
     
  • Insulate crawlspaces and walls to stabilize indoor temperatures
     

Proper air sealing and insulation can lower cooling costs by 15% or more.

2. Duct Sealing with Aeroseal®

  • Seal invisible leaks in ducts to deliver more cooled air to every room
     
  • Improve temperature consistency
     
  • Reduce stress on your HVAC system
     

Aeroseal can boost HVAC efficiency by 20–30%.

3. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Heat Pump

  • Provides both cooling and heating using less energy
     
  • Maintains comfort even during heat waves
     
  • Eligible for significant rebates and tax credits
     

Heat pumps can reduce summer cooling costs and cut winter heating expenses by up to 50%.


Don’t Wait—Prepare Your Home Before the Next Heatwave

If your August energy bill is already giving you sticker shock, don’t wait until fall. Take action now to improve your home’s comfort and efficiency while qualifying for Maryland rebates up to $10,000.

  • Discover where your home is wasting energy
     
  • Get expert, personalized recommendations
     
  • Make your home more efficient—and more comfortable
     

Call Atlas Home Energy Solutions today to schedule your professional energy audit.