Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, pool party, or impromptu get-together with neighbors, the costs of summer gatherings can quickly add-up, but your energy costs don’t have to.

At UGI Energy Services, we believe you shouldn't have to choose between summer fun and efficiency. With smart energy choices, you can host without wasting energy and have an unforgettable summer event, all while keeping costs under control.

Here are 25 tips for summer 2025 to minimize energy waste while entertaining.

Optimize Your Outdoor Cooking

Grilling burgers, chicken, or corn on the cob are among the many summer staples, but not all cooking methods are equally efficient. Cook without wasting energy by following these rules:

1. Choose propane or natural gas grills. They heat up faster and use less energy than charcoal grills, which lose heat quickly and require constant refueling.
2. Keep the lid closed. Every time you open the grill, heat escapes, forcing it to work harder. Keeping it closed reduces cooking time and fuel use.
3. Use small appliances for the sides. Instead of lighting extra burners, prepare side dishes in an energy-efficient slow cooker, microwave, or toaster oven.
4. Look for the ENERGY STAR seal if you’re shopping for a new grill or other appliances; the ENERGY STAR seal ensure your product is energy-efficient.

Keep Guests Comfortable Without Overworking Your AC

Hot weather means guests will want to stay cool but cranking the AC all day can lead to costly energy bills. A general rule of thumb is to set your thermostat to 78 degrees, as it strikes a balance between comfort and not overworking your HVAC system.

1. Day or evening? When planning an event, consider hosting it at night to take advantage of lower temperatures.
2. Leverage natural shade by hosting your event under trees, if available.
3. Adjust the thermostat wisely. If guests will spend most of their time outdoors, consider raising the indoor thermostat a few degrees to avoid cooling an empty house.
4. Close curtains and blinds indoors to block sunlight and keep your home cooler, reducing AC usage.
5. Make a splash! If your event is for kids or you're a child at heart, consider fun water games like a slip 'n slide, a water balloon fight, or a water gun battle.

Light Up the Night Effectively

Outdoor lighting is essential for nighttime events, enabling guests to navigate your space while also creating a pleasant mood and atmosphere. However, traditional incandescent light bulbs waste energy. Try one of these lighting alternatives instead, which will not only be more energy efficient but also elegant!

1. Switch to LED lights. When compared to incandescent bulbs, LED lights use 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer.
2. Try solar-powered lights. Pathway lights, lanterns, and decorative accents charge during the day and turn on automatically at night with no wiring needed.
3. Install motion sensor lighting. Motion-activated lights turn on when they detect movement, ensuring you use energy only when necessary for safety and efficiency.

Beyond lighting, if technology plays a significant role in your event, consider opting for battery-powered or solar-charged models to minimize electricity consumption.

Chill Food and Drinks Without Wasting Energy

Keeping food fresh and drinks ice cold this summer shouldn’t mean overloading your fridge or constantly refilling a cooler. With a little prep ahead of time, you can dish up good eats and save on energy.

1. Pre-chill beverages. Store your soda cans and juice pouches in the fridge overnight so coolers need less ice.
2. Use reusable ice packs. Instead of buying bagged ice, use frozen water bottles or reusable gel packs to keep drinks cold and reduce waste.
3. Choose high-quality insulated coolers or thermal containers to keep food and drinks cold longer without frequent ice replenishment.
4. Layer cooler ice strategically by placing a layer of ice at the bottom, then add drinks and food, and cover with another layer of ice on top. This sandwiching technique keeps items colder for longer.
5. Keep coolers in the shade and minimize opening. A cooler in direct sunlight will cause your ice to melt faster.
6. Defrost frozen food in the fridge. This chills the fridge while thawing, reducing energy use.
7. Avoid overpacking the fridge. A tightly packed refrigerator has to work harder to stay cool. Remove unnecessary items before stocking up for the party.
8. Serve cold dishes and no-cook foods like salads and fruit that reduce the need for heating and keep your kitchen cooler.
9. Cover dishes before refrigerating. Tupperware containers of leftovers without their lids release moisture, forcing the fridge to work harder.

Streamline Guest Traffic

Large gatherings often lead to doors being left open (or continuously open and shut), lights being left on in unused rooms, and appliances running overtime. Try these tips to minimize energy drain.

1. Designate a single entry/exit point. This will reduce how often doors are opened and closed and will help keep AC from escaping.
2. Monitor lights and appliances. Periodically check your event space for unnecessary power consumption and turn off lights in empty/unused rooms, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or closets.
3. Create an inviting outdoor space to keep guests comfortable and cool outside. Battery-operated fans, sufficient seating, a patio umbrella, and a pop-up/canopy tent are a few features that can minimize people going in the house. And be budget-mindful by borrowing items from neighbors and friends.
4. Plan outdoor activities like cornhole, bocce, wiffleball, or tossing a football or frisbee that keep guests entertained, don’t require power, and minimize guests wanting to go indoors.

 Let UGI Help You Minimize Energy Waste

Reducing energy waste isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s about creating smarter, more sustainable spaces for you and your guests to enjoy all summer long.

At UGI Energy Services, our team of energy experts is here to help you make informed, efficient choices tailored to your needs. Ready to take the next step toward smarter energy use? Contact us today and discover how we can help you meet your energy goals without sacrificing comfort or convenience.