5 Ways to Keep Cool This Summer Without a Huge AC Bill

The summer season is upon us, which means it's time for many people to crank up the AC and get ready for warm days. Unfortunately, running the air conditioner all summer can do a real number on your checking account -- especially with energy costs up dramatically for many households in recent years.

If you're worried that high AC bills will force you to tap into your savings account, consider trying out some of these tips to keep cool this summer without spending a fortune.

1. Change your air filters

If you haven't recently changed your air filters, it's time to do it now before your AC goes into high gear. Replacing clogged filters can single-handedly cut your air conditioning costs by as much as 5% to 15%. That's a huge savings, especially if you are paying more per kilowatt hour these days than you did in summers past.

2. Consider investing in a ceiling fan

Ceiling fans can significantly reduce the amount of air conditioning you need to use. Fans require about 1/60th the level of energy that an air conditioner uses. Plus, since they can pull hot air away from you, you can turn up the thermostat on the air conditioner and still feel comfortable.

Ceiling fans can work especially well to allow you to stay cool without a lot of air conditioning, and running one can save you as much as 40% on electricity costs. But if you don't have a ceiling fan and don't want to pay to install them, an inexpensive standing fan can also make a world of difference.

3. Use your windows wisely

During the day, blackout curtains on your windows could help keep the warm sun from entering your home and forcing your air conditioner to work harder. This is especially important for windows that face the sun at the time.

If it cools off during the evening hours, open those blinds and crank the windows open -- especially if you can do so in multiple rooms to create a cross breeze. You may be able to avoid running the AC altogether during evening hours if you can open your windows during that time.

4. Spend time outside

When possible, try to spend as much of your day outdoors as you can. You can set up a sprinkler for your kids (or yourself) and find a spot in the shade to sit. When you leave your home for a day outdoors, crank the air conditioning thermostat up a few degrees so you don't have to cool your house as much during that time.

As a bonus, when you come inside from a warm day, your house will feel cooler and more comfortable even if you don't have the thermostat set as low.

5. Create some shade

Some strategically placed plants at your home can both help to keep you cooler outside and can reduce the amount of sun coming into your house and heating it up. You can also plant a tree over your outdoor air conditioning unit, which could make the unit run as much as 10% more efficiently.

By taking these five steps, you may be able to keep your cool this summer while leaving as much money as possible in your wallet.