Cooling is one of the biggest line items on a summer utility bill. The good news is that most of the waste comes from a handful of fixable habits and neglected parts.

You do not need a new system to spend less. Start with the steps below, in order, and you will likely notice a difference on your next bill.

Key Takeaways

• A clean filter and clear outdoor unit help your system run less hard.

• Raising the thermostat a few degrees when you are away adds up over a season.

• Sealing leaks and blocking sun keeps cool air inside where it belongs.

• A yearly tune-up helps your system run at its best.

Where the savings are

Start with airflow. A dirty filter forces the system to work harder to move the same amount of air. Replacing it every one to three months is the cheapest way to cut waste.

Next, use your thermostat wisely. Setting it a few degrees higher while you are out, or using a programmable or smart thermostat, reduces runtime without affecting comfort when you are home.

Finally, keep the heat out. Close blinds on sunny windows, run ceiling fans to make rooms feel cooler, and seal gaps around doors and windows. These steps lower the load on your system all day.

When to call a technician

If you have done the basics and your bills are still high, something else may be wrong. Call us if:

• Your bill rose sharply compared with the same month last year.

• Some rooms never get cool even with the system running.

• The system is more than 12 to 15 years old.

• You have not had a tune-up in over a year.