As the summer months approach, it can be tricky to know when it’s time to turn on the AC and when you should just open the windows and enjoy the summer breeze. To help you manage your home energy costs in a smart way, we’ve compiled a few tips on how to use your air conditioner efficiently.

Set It and Forget It

The EPA recommends setting your thermostat to a comfortable 78°F and not adjusting it further. This will maintain consistent airflow throughout your home and save you money on your monthly energy bill. If you’re looking for more control over your energy use, consider investing in a smart thermostat. Not only are these incredibly convenient, but they also monitor and track your energy use.

Change the Filter

The air filter in your HVAC system needs to be replaced when it gets clogged up. Over time this will prevent much needed air from flowing through your system and can cause it to overwork, thus costing you more money. Change the filter before the summer season to prevent this from happening.

Leave the AC Running

This something many people don’t think of when trying to save energy, but if the outdoor temperature is significantly different from your desired temperature, you can end up wasting more energy in the long run. Instead of shutting the air conditioner down when leaving home, just increase the temperature a few degrees and then you’ll be able to keep the energy expenditures

How to Save Money and Stay Cool

While using your air conditioner is a great way to stay cool this summer, there are many other ways to chill out and cut back on your energy costs: Shut the blinds. Light-blocking curtains and blinds can help reduce the sunlight heating your home.

Stay hydrated. Drinking water is an easy and smart way to stay cool all summer long. Cool water helps to reduce your body’s core temperature and keep you cool from the inside out. Keep in mind: Drinking ice water after being outside in excessive heat can be a shock to your system. Make sure your water is cool and not cold to hydrate safely.

Make some cool treats. Summer is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats like ice cream and popsicles! Best of all? You can make your own! There are tons of recipes online for yogurt and fruit popsicles or even homemade sea salt ice cream.

Use your ceiling fan. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using a fan in a room can make you feel up to four degrees cooler! Keep in mind, this only works if you’re in the same room as the fan — the windchill effect won’t work without people. There are many more creative ways to stay cool this summer, such as using cool washcloths on pressure points, investing in linen sheets, and more!

Getting Cooling Assistance

If the AC is not working efficiently or you are spending far too much on energy bills, you can reach out to experienced professionals at Scottsdale Air for assistance. Their team is ready to help homeowners restore the air conditioning and ensure comfortable living for the entire season.