Summer means long days, the smell of freshly cut grass, and time spent in the water—but it also means cranking your AC to escape the heat, which takes a toll on your energy bills. With a little help from your qualified HVAC contractor and local supply store, you’ll be able to cut the amount you pay in energy bills during the hot months. Below are four simple and reliable tips for saving money.

How to Cut Energy Costs This Summer

1. Service Your System Now

Before the summer months begin, you’ll need to have your HVAC system serviced by an HVAC contractor. They’ll conduct a thorough inspection and cleaning, as well as test its efficiency and suggest ways to improve it. This annual tuneup is critical for extending the life of your HVAC system, and it greatly increases its efficiency by bettering airflow and lubricating moving parts so the system doesn’t have to work as hard. If your technician has any concerns and suggests an AC repair, taking care of it before summer ensures the system won’t break down when you need it the most.

2. Give Your AC a Break

Constantly running your air conditioning is hard on both the system and your energy costs, so try giving it regular breaks. A convenient time to do so is during weekdays when no one’s home, allowing you to bump up the temperature without causing discomfort. Nights that are cool will allow you to turn the system off or the thermostat up, further saving money and energy. If allergies aren’t a serious concern, consider sleeping with the window open.

3. Block the Light

Natural sunlight brightens a room, but it also warms it, counteracting your AC and causing it to work overtime. Blackout shades or thick blinds for windows and doors will keep your house a few degrees cooler during the day. You could also consider an outside awning over large windows or doorways to preserve your view while shading it from the sun.

4. Clean Your HVAC Quarterly

Dust, dirt, animal dander, and pollen abound during summer months, and they can clog up your AC, reducing its efficiency and causing issues your HVAC contractor will need to repair. Prevent this by regularly replacing the filters—once every 90 days or so—and removing visible dust and lint. Homes with pets or windows that are often open may need to do this more frequently.

The experienced HVAC contractors at Parker’s Heating & Cooling in Cairo, GA, will ensure your system operates at maximum efficiency. For over 25 years, they’ve provided southern Georgia and northern Florida with expert services, including AC repair and maintenance. With NATE®-certified technicians, they work across all brands for commercial and residential clients, with 24-hour emergency service available. Fully licensed and insured, these pros deliver exceptional work at competitive prices. Call (229) 377-9129 for a free estimate and view their maintenance plans online.