As we move into warmer months, you might be wondering how to save on electric bills. According to the Department of Energy, air conditioning accounts for 6 percent of all the energy used in the United States every year. Fortunately, there are some simple tips from LifeStyle Homes that you can implement to lower your home’s energy use without shutting down the air conditioning or living in discomfort.

1.Maintain Your Appliances
Neglected appliances can waste a lot of energy. Most appliance maintenance can be done yourself. For example, vacuuming the coils on the back of your refrigerator improves the unit’s efficiency at releasing heat. You will also extend the lifespan of your appliances by keeping up with routine maintenance.

2. Replace Old Lighting with Efficient Bulbs and Fixtures
All LifeStyle Homes come with efficient LED bulbs. If you’re still using incandescent bulbs, you’re wasting energy and money. Replacing all the old light bulbs in your home with new LED bulbs could lower your energy bills.

As a bonus, LED bulbs have a lifespan that’s about 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, so you’ll save time shopping for and replacing the bulbs.

Smart lights—included in every LifeStyle home—turn off when you’re not in the room and dim or power off with the tap of an app.

3. Change Filters and Schedule Professional Maintenance
One of our easiest energy-saving tips for summer includes a reminder to check your air conditioner’s filter once a month. Operating your air-conditioning system with a dirty filter reduces its efficiency by 5 percent to 15 percent. Replacing the filter as soon as it’s dirty will lower your electricity bills all summer long. Schedule an annual tune-up for your air-conditioning system each year during the springtime. Professional maintenance improves cooling system efficiency and extends the system’s lifespan.

You don’t have to sacrifice your comfort in order to lower your electricity bill. You can start saving on energy at home with these simple tips. Be sure to get each household member on board so that you can save as much money as possible.