The heat is on! It’s time to make an action plan to save energy this summer and avoid skyrocketing electricity bills. Here are several ways you can offset the season’s rising temperatures.

1. Fan Yourself

Purchasing a stand, box, or ceiling fan is a minor investment that can lower your energy expenses. Fans help cool your home, allowing you to raise the thermostat by 4 degrees without compromising comfort. Be sure to turn off the fans when you're not in the room, as they are designed to cool people, not spaces, through the wind chill effect.

2. Optimize Your Thermostat Setting

The Department of Energy states that setting your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer can save up to 10% on annual energy costs. If 78 degrees feels too warm, you can adjust it slightly lower for comfort. Keep in mind that for every degree you raise the thermostat above 72 degrees, you can save up to 3% on cooling expenses.

Consider installing a programmable thermostat to set a warmer temperature when you're not home and automatically cool your home before you return. If you enjoy technology, try a wireless remote thermostat, such as the ComfortLink™ II, which can be paired with your smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer to control your air conditioner from anywhere.

3. Upgrade Your Air Conditioner and Appliances

If you're looking to maximize your summer energy savings, consider upgrading your system. Since heating and cooling account for nearly half of your home's energy use, investing in an energy-efficient system can be a wise decision that saves you money in the long run.

When upgrading your air conditioner, choose Energy Star-certified systems with high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings, as they are 15% more efficient than other models. Additionally, consider upgrading your entire home with Energy Star appliances for greater efficiency. At the very least, schedule seasonal maintenance for your air conditioner and other systems to ensure they operate at peak performance.

4. Go Low Flow

Water usage typically rises in the summer, whether it's for watering your lawn or taking more post-swim showers. To keep outdoor watering costs down, water your grass and plants only in the early morning or at dusk to prevent evaporation from the summer heat. Another tip for an energy-efficient home is to install low-flow water fixtures. These are effective for shower heads, toilets, and even outdoor sprinklers.

5. Wash with Cold Water

Here’s a quick summertime money saver. Change up your laundry routine by only washing and rinsing your clothes with cold water. If you do it year-round, it could save you around $200 annually.

6. Close the Blinds & Check Your Seals

Turning up the AC isn't the only way to keep your home cooler during the hot summer months. Take a quick walk around the house and close all the blinds and curtains to prevent your rooms from heating up, making them easier to cool with your air conditioner or fan. Another tip to keep warm air out is to add weather stripping to your doors and windows.

7. Keep Your Fridge Cool

Your refrigerator and freezer are essential for keeping your lemonade and popsicles cold all summer. Here are a few tips to save on your energy bill by maintaining your refrigerator properly. Set the thermostat to 35-38 degrees for the refrigerator and 0-5 degrees for the freezer. Check the door seal and vacuum the coils regularly. Keep your fridge full of food or even just jugs of water to reduce the air space it needs to cool.

8. Relax and Unplug

Prevent your electronics from draining your summer energy by unplugging chargers, TVs, computers, and other small devices when not in use. This simple step can save you up to $100 a year, according to the Department of Energy.

9. Dine Out

Avoiding your kitchen in the summer, whether you're grilling a great meal or dining out, can help reduce your energy bill. Using kitchen appliances can increase the temperature by 10 degrees, so by not using them, you save on both appliance energy use and air conditioning costs needed to cool your home.

With these energy-saving tips, from new habits to efficient upgrades, challenge yourself to lower your energy costs this summer. Then, use those savings for a weekend vacation in the fall!