Now is the perfect time to make a few changes around the house to help keep you cool and lower your energy bill.

Replace your air filters once a month during the summer. When air conditioner filters get dirty, they can get clogged, and the air can’t flow freely through them. This forces your air conditioning system to work harder, which increases your electricity bill.

Move appliances and lamps away from your thermostat. Because they emit heat, they can trick your thermostat into thinking that the house is warmer than it really is. 

Run your washing machine and pool pump after dark. It costs the most to use electricity when everyone else is using it, and in most areas, that is after work through dinnertime.

Consider switching to LED light fixtures. LED bulbs are more energy efficient than traditional lightbulbs. Also, incandescent bulbs produce more heat than light, and that can compete with the job your air conditioning system is trying to do when it’s warm outside.

Install a programmable thermostat. It can automatically adjust the temperature of your home so you use less energy to cool your space when no one is there. The device can help you save up to $100 a year on cooling (and heating) bills.