Summertime Energy Savings

Keep windows and blinds closed during the dayIf it’s cooler at night and you open the windows in the evening, be sure to get up early and close them in the morning. The sun’s rays can start to heat up your house first thing in the morning in the heat of the summer months causing your air conditioner to work harder.
It’s also a great idea to put houseplants, especially large potted trees, in front of the windows in order to absorb the sun’s energy. This method will actually help to keep your home cooler, so go out and get some house plants!

Use Fans Use your fans to help circulate the air from room to room, reducing the workload on your air conditioner.

Turn the Thermostat DownProgram your thermostat a bit higher during the day when no one is home. Also bump it up a few degrees at night as well. You can become accustomed to a few degrees higher temperature if you give yourself a chance to get used to it. The difference between the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature can still be up to 20 degrees if it is 98 outside and 78 inside. Remember, a 78 degree outside is a beautiful Spring Day!

Don’t Cook Indoors in the Summer
Using the oven really heats up the house, and keeps your air conditioner running and running to keep the house cool. Summer is the time for grilling, so do it often! You’ll have a great tasting meal and keep from heating up the house too much. On nights when you don’t feel like firing up the grill, have sandwich or sub night, cold salads, or a  cold cut snack plate.

Replace Your Light BulbsEnergy Star-rated light bulbs produce 75% less heat than regular light bulbs. It’s also good practice to turn off the lights when leaving a room. So remember to teach the kids to turn off the lights too.
Unplug electronics If you are not using an electronic device or computer, go ahead and turn of and unplug it. 

Change your air filterRoutine air conditioner maintenance is essential to keeping your air conditioner unit running at it's most efficient. A dirty air filter will cause your air conditioner to work hard and be less efficient. Change the filter as often as is recommended for your ac unit.

Regular Air Conditioner MaintenanceHave your ac technician come out once a year for routine maintenance. This will keep your air conditioner unit running smoothly and efficiently. It will also lower your electric bill and increase the life of your air conditioner.

Plant Trees in your Yard to Increase Shade Having shade trees around your home can help to reduce the amount that the sun heats up the outside of your house. Shade trees will keep your house and yard cooler and reduce the workload on your
Also consider planting trees or shrubs to shade high-heat areas -- air conditioning units that emit heat, for instance, and driveways and walkways that absorb it.

Buy Energy Star AppliancesEnergy Star appliances including your air conditioner unit,  are designated as energy efficient and can save you big on your utility bills. Over time the investment in Energy Star appliances will pay you back in utility bill savings.