The mercury is on the upswing throughout the country as summer is quickly approaching. Many homeowners may be worried about what the arrival of the heat will do to their electric bill in the coming months. This worry is even more pronounced as economic uncertainty and the threat of a potential recession continue to be an issue for many families. Here are a few ways that you can cut your overall expenses this summer by saving money on your air conditioning bill.
 

Protect the Windows

Approximately one-third of a house's heating or cooling energy is lost simply through the windows. This makes it important to cover the windows to keep this energy inside. You have a number of options to protect your windows. Solar screens are effective when keeping the sunshine from penetrating east and west-facing windows.

Or try using specially designed solar shades. These window shades are able to block out the majority of the sun's UV rays so that your air conditioning unit does not have to work as hard. You can also try heavy curtains or drapes to keep the sunshine out and the cool air inside.
 

Make the Switch to a Programmable Smart Thermostat

With summer on the horizon, now is the time to make the switch to a programmable smart thermostat if you have not already done so. This type of thermostat gives you the ability to control the temperature of your home remotely. You can also easily program it so that it drops when you are away from home and not in need of intense cooling.

For the best results, install this thermostat on an interior wall that is located away from drafts, direct sunlight, and windows. While overhauling your thermostat, be sure to check to make sure there is no furniture covering your vents and preventing the flow of cool air.
 

Lean on Ceiling Fans

Strategically placed ceiling fans can be an invaluable tool when cooling your home. For instance, installing ceiling fans on the upper level and opening the windows on the lower level will promote better air flow. This will naturally bring the temperature of your home down without having to use the air conditioning with as much intensity. You will want to run the fans in a counterclockwise direction to promote better cooling.
 

Check for Leaks

Just like a drafty home can lead to a higher heating bill in the winter, it can also force your air conditioning unit to have to work harder to cool the house. Start each summer season by checking the inside and outside of the home for cracks and openings where air can enter and escape. In addition to the obvious places around windows and doors, you can inspect the home's foundation. While you can perform this inspection on your own home, you will likely identify more potential issues if you hire a professional technician to look for these leaks.
 

Service the Air Conditioning Unit

It is also a good idea to service your home's air conditioning unit on a regular basis. A good first step is to be intentional about replacing the filters in the unit at least once every other month during the busy summer months. You may need to clean or replace these filters more frequently if they get particularly dirty because of dust or animal hair in the home. Cleaning these filters will promote better airflow, thus increasing the efficiency of your cooling system.

You also need to periodically clean the coils located in the unit's evaporator and in the outside condenser. Keeping the ground around the condenser free of debris, leaves, and other particles will boost overall efficiency.
 

Plant Shade Around the House

You can create natural shade for your home by planting leafy greens and trees around the perimeter of the house. Tall trees growing on the south side of the home will work wonders to block out the heat. Consider broad trees for the east and west sides of the home.

Climate change is translating to summers that continue to get warmer and warmer. You can help to mitigate some of these additional costs by practicing these home cooling tips.