As temperatures rise, so can utility bills. To avoid heat emergencies, it’s important to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. This is especially important if you have very young or older family members, as they can be more at risk to extreme heat.

While keeping your family safe is important, it can also be expensive to keep everyone cool. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners spend $11 billion every year to use their air conditioners! Sometimes, you may not know how much it has cost you until your bill arrives. This can lead to unexpected fees and financial stress. Try these simple and low-cost actions to save energy and money.

• Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you first turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.
• Set your thermostat at a temperature you find comfortable and that provides humidity control, if needed. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
• Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lower the thermostat setting when you return home and need cooling. A programmable thermostat allows you to do this automatically and without sacrificing comfort.
• Clean and replace filters. Replacing a used filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades or awnings, to keep the heat out.
• Weather strip or caulk windows and doors.
• On hot days, plan meals around cold foods like salads. Using the oven will heat up your kitchen and raise the temperature inside.
• Cook foods that utilize your toaster oven, slow cooker, instant pot, air fryer or other small appliances. Use your microwave and outdoor grill to keep your home cooler.