When temperatures and humidity rise in the summer, it’s tempting to blast the air conditioner to cool down your house in a hurry. The cold air feels wonderful until your energy bill arrives. The cooling system can be one of the biggest energy hogs in the home. Use these seven easy ways to lower your energy bill in the summer and still keep cool.

Install Energy Efficient Windows

Is cold air leaking out through your windows? If you have older windows, replace them with new energy-efficient models. You’ll pay money upfront, but you’ll save money over time with lower energy bills. You can try to add caulk or weather stripping to seal the area around the windows too.

Create a Cooling Breeze With Fans

To save money, use fans instead of your air conditioner. Ceiling fans and standing oscillating fans circulate the air to create a breeze. When it’s hot enough to need the A/C, fans can help circulate the cold air too.

Raise the Thermostat When You’re Not Home

There’s no reason to spend money to cool off an empty house. Turn the temperature up to keep the air conditioner low or off.  If you have a programmable thermostat, set the air conditioner to come on a little while before you get home.

Heat-Proof the Roof and Windows

Sunlight baking on the roof can heat the house up fast. Air can leak out through poorly insulated roofs and walls. Upgrade your home’s insulation if needed to help keep cool air inside the house.

Protect your windows from the scorching sun too. Close your curtains or blinds to keep the heat out and the cold air inside. You can also use solar screens to tame the heat and keep the windows open. When the A/C is on and you close the windows, add a heat-blocking film to keep help keep your house cool.

Use Solar Energy

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While the sun can heat up your house, you can also use renewable solar energy to cool things off. Install solar panels to provide low-cost power to your air conditioner. Solar panels are usually installed on your roof to capture the sun’s energy. Solar panels are another option with an upfront cost. It could pay for itself quickly though since you’ll save money on energy costs all year long.

Cool off One Room

There may be hours when you spend time in just one room, like when you’re asleep in the bedroom at night. There’s no need to spend money to cool down your entire living space. Try a window air conditioner to cut costs.

Keep Your A/C Unit Running Smoothly

Perform regular maintenance to ensure the air conditioner runs efficiently. Change the air filters and clean the vents around the house. Clean filters and vents help the A/C unit efficiently circulate cool air throughout the house.

Don’t let your cooling costs skyrocket during the steamy summer months. Use these tips to keep your energy bills in check. You’ll have more money in your pocket to enjoy warm weather activities all summer long.