Spring has finally arrived, and in no time it will be summer again, and that means higher electric bills to keep your home comfortable. Your HVAC unit is an important part of keeping you cool during the hot months, but there are a few things that you can do, even now, to get ready for summer savings on your utility costs.

Summer-ize Your Home

We all know that around winter, you may want to put plastic around the windows, check your ventilation, and cover up any areas that wind could get through. Many of these things can help you prepare for the warm weather as well. Checking for leaks around windows and doors, insulating areas that could let out your cold air, and even putting heavy drapes on the windows can help you maintain a comfortable temperature with less energy output.

Prepare Meals in Advance

This tip may seem a little off the wall, but when you give it a second look, it can help you save some money. Picking one or two days in the week to prepare multiple meals for your family will mean that you don’t use the stove every day. Depending on the size of your house, cooking can seriously affect the temperature causing your AC to work overtime. You can cut it back by cooking more than one meal at a time in the oven or on the stovetop and heating it up in the microwave when dinner time comes.

Use Ceiling Fans (When You Are There)

Ceiling fans are a great way to make the cold air do more to make a room comfortable, but don’t leave them going once you leave the room. It doesn’t take long for a fan to do its job, and a running fan can use unnecessary energy if left running when you’re not in the room at home. While you’re in the room, a fan will keep the cool air circulated and the warm air from sticking around, keeping you cool for less.

There are so many ways to keep your home cool without a monstrously large electric bill. We hope that you will use a few of these tips to start your savings now before the heat of summer comes.