Summertime HVAC costs don't have to be astronomical to keep you comfortable when it's hot and humid outdoors. These tips will help you lower your overall energy bills, including air conditioner usage, without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

1. Consider a programmable thermostat, especially if you're away on a routine basis. Keeping your home at 78 or 80 degrees while you're home and at 85 degrees when you're away is a good way to save energy. 
2. Check the air filter monthly and change it when it's dirty. Dirty air filters drive up energy costs because they slow the airflow going through the system, which takes it longer to reach the thermostat's setting.
3. Have your cooling system professionally serviced annually. Besides cutting energy bills, it lengthens the system's life.
4. If you haven't had your home's air ducts inspected for a few years, ask the contractor to inspect them and seal if necessary. Leaking ducts can drive up energy bills substantially. 
5. Shade your windows when the sun hits them or put clear, solar reflective film on the windows that receive a lot of sunshine. This film is highly durable and works year-round to stop heat gain and loss through the glass.
6. Check the window and door frames for small leaks or cracks and seal with exterior caulk or weatherstripping. Air leaks make your HVAC system run more often and longer. 
7. Inspect the amount of insulation in the attic. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends that it should be from 16 to 20 inches thick in our region.
8. Keep plenty of food in the refrigerator. A full refrigerator and freezer use less energy because the contents help keep the inside cool longer. If you don't keep that much food on hand, store water inside it.
9. Use the hot water as judiciously as possible. Water heating stands next in line to cooling your home for energy consumption. Use the cold or warm setting for the washer. 

The pros at Tri-County Heating & Cooling can help you maximize your cooling system's performance. We provide top-notch HVAC services for greater Cincinnati homeowners for more than 40 years. 

Image via Shutterstock.com