July and August are the hottest months of the year, and we’ve had a few unpleasantly hot and humid days in the past few weeks.

Yuck! When the heat index is 110, it’s understandable that you want to spend a lot of time at home in the air conditioning.
Unfortunately, you’ll see the cost of that air conditioning on your next energy bill later this summer. What are things you can do to save money and save your sanity on these hot days?

1. Have your HVAC system professionally inspected
First, you’ll want to make sure your home is being cooled efficiently. You can do this yourself with a few tutorials from YouTube, but it is usually worth hiring a professional to check your HVAC system for leaks and other problems. Call around for the best price on an inspection. If a professional finds anything wrong, get a second and third opinion and estimates.

2. Use your AC efficiently
Don’t waste that cold air! In addition to regular maintenance, ensure you’re using your AC system as efficiently as possible.

• Clean your air intake vents regularly.
• Keep doors and windows closed when running the AC.
• Close the blinds in your home during the day to keep the sunlight out.
• Strategically place and use fans in your home.
• If your windows are old, consider replacing them!

3. Get smartIf you haven’t already done so, consider using smart technology to keep your home cool and your costs down. Connecting your thermostat to a mobile device will enable you to control it from a distance and avoid cooling an empty home. You can also use smart technology to set your thermostat on a schedule that suits your family’s needs. It can also send you an alert when your kids lower the thermostat without permission.

4. Get grilling
Your oven and stovetop can heat up much more than your food this summer. Try to make it a habit to take your cooking outside and keep the inside of your home cooler. You can also plan a few 'cold' meals every week, like salads and sandwiches that don’t use your cooking appliances.

5. Time your chores and use appliances efficiently
Using large appliances, like a washing machine and dishwasher, can add extra heat to your home, especially if you live in a small space. Use these machines after dark, when it’s generally cooler. In addition, your electric company may charge lower rates for using energy in off-peak hours, so check with them about that (because it may be something you need to sign up for). In addition:

• Only wash full loads of laundry. If possible, use cold water.
• Use glass pans in the oven when possible since they retain heat better and can shorten cooking time.
• Use appropriately sized pots and pans on your burners.
• Only run your dishwasher when it’s full.
• Unplug small and medium-sized appliances when not in use.

Need help controlling other costs in your home or in other areas of your life? CommonWealth One is here for you. We have everything from budget experts to a wide variety of loans and savings products. We’re just a click or call away!