One of the most common concerns that many people have during the summer is how to keep cool without going broke due to expensive utility bills from having their air conditioners on all day. While there is really no way to completely eliminate the spike in your utility bills during the summer, short of simply never using your air conditioner, there are some ways to at least minimize the expense. Listed below are two tips for lowering your air conditioning costs this summer.

Make Sure That The System Is Clean

The single biggest way to lower your air conditioning costs this summer is to make sure that the entire system is as clean as possible. This means making sure that your air conditioner's air intake filter is clean and that your duct system is clear of any obstructions. These are vital steps, as having either of those items be clogged or obstructed will result in less air flow to and from your air conditioner. 

Since less air will be flowing out of your ducts, your house will not cool off as quickly, which causes your thermostat to force your air conditioner to stay on longer. In addition, having less air flowing to your air conditioner due to a clogged filter can cause your air conditioner to overwork itself, which can lead to very expensive repairs and a possible replacement of your system, in addition to high utility bills.  

Make Sure To Keep Your Windows Covered

One of the biggest reasons that the interior of your home gets hot during the summer is due to the fact that your windows are letting sunlight into the home. Sure, it is very hard to leave your windows covered when it is beautifully clear and sunny outside, but, whenever you are enjoying that sight, the sun's rays are getting into the home and causing the temperature inside to rise several degrees over the course of the day. In order to deal with this influx of heat, your air conditioner will be turning on more often and staying on longer than necessary to make your home comfortable. 

Consider covering your windows with blackout curtains that can block out a very large portion of the sunlight that strikes your windows. Another option is to install awnings or shades over your windows that will prevent direct sunlight from reaching the window and entering your home. This option will allow you to still enjoy the nice views while also preventing your home from heating up too much.

Contact an HVAC contractor today in order to discuss what you can do to help lower your air conditioning costs. By making sure that the system is clean and that your windows are covered are two easy ways to lower your cooling costs.