How lovely are those blissful days, weeks or — if you’re really lucky — months between turning off the heat and turning on the air conditioning? The temperatures are mild and comfortable. You sigh with relief as your energy consumption and bills get smaller and smaller.

Then along comes summer. Your sanity and safety demand that you stay cool, but your budget still takes a hit.

Although cooling your home will always come at a cost, there are steps you can take to reduce the amount you spend on cooling, without sacrificing comfort. If you’re looking to reduce your summer cooling costs, try implementing one or more of these 12 tips:

 

1) Add Window Treatments

For all those eye-rolling fellas out there — no, your lady’s desire to layer curtains and blinds isn’t crazy.

During hot summer months, window treatments help keep your home cool. Keeping curtains and blinds drawn during the day helps slow the temperature climb within your home. This can help you delay switching on the AC or reduce the amount of energy needed to cool your home.

2) Plant Smart

Like window treatments, shade trees help keep direct sunlight out of your home, providing a buffer against the heat of the sun.

It’s important to do your research before planting trees near your home. Make your decisions based on the projected dimensions of a mature tree, not the sapling you’re planting. Planting too close to your home can result in damage to your foundation or walkways thanks to growing roots, or to your roof thanks to scraping branches.
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3) Flick the Switch, Pull the Plug

Don’t make your AC work any harder than it has to. Unplug appliances like the toaster when not in use. Use a power strip to make turning off your electronics simpler. Take advantage of longer days by leaving lights off as long as possible. Not only will this prevent wasted energy, but it will keep electronics-related heat to a minimum.

4) Keep the Thermostat Clear

Items that put off heat — lights, appliances, etc. — should be kept away from the thermostat. Placing hot items too close to the thermostat will make it read the room as hotter than it really is. As a result, your system will run longer and harder than necessary.

5) Get Grilling

Take advantage of grill weather by giving your oven a break. Taking a vacation from baking and broiling will help keep temperatures down indoors.

6) Hang up a Clothesline

Like your oven, your dryer pumps out a lot of heat. Consider using a clothesline during nice weather to save both energy and reduce heat. As a bonus, drying in sunlight can help bleach whites.

7) Set a Program

Helpful year round, programmable thermostats are your best friend when it comes to energy savings. Look for smart thermostats that allow you to adjust your settings remotely for maximum flexibility and efficiency.

To get the most savings, program the house to be cooler when you’re home and awake. If you’re away or asleep, easing up on the setting by even 10 degrees will help you save. To save even more, try setting your ‘stat to 76 or 78 instead of 70 or lower.

8) Watch Your Water

Don’t forget about your hot water. Lowering the temperature of your water heater, taking shorter (and cooler) showers and only running the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads will save money and reduce the amount of heat added to your home.

10) Keep Filters Clean

One of the more inconvenient ways that can cost you money is dirty air filters. The U.S. Energy Department recommends changing your HVAC filters every 1 to 2 months for optimum efficiency. Along with the saving on your energy bill, changing your filter can also help keep your family healthy by reducing the number of contaminants in your home.

11) Check the Forecast

What’s the overnight temperature? If it’s going to cool down to a comfortable level, try turning off the AC and leaving windows open overnight.

Daytime temps not too high? Take advantage of cross-breezes and open windows instead of running the AC.
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12) Commit to Maintenance

Routine maintenance can go a long way toward keep your home efficient and your costs down.

Make a schedule for changing filters, checking ductwork and maintaining seals around windows and doors. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for caring for your HVAC unit. Even little things, like keeping vents and units dust-free can go a long way.

12) Replace Windows

New windows are a long-term investment toward cooling costs. As such, you may want to start with an energy audit to determine whether or not to upgrade.

If you know you have old, inefficient, single-pane windows, switching to a multi-pane, energy efficient new model will be a big upfront investment that yields long-term savings.

 

From simple switches to new habits to big projects, there’s a lot you can do to lower your cooling costs. With a little imagination, you can use this list to get started and to brainstorm custom solutions for your family and lifestyle.

What things have you done in your home to make it more energy efficient or to stay cool natural through the summer?