During the summer months, temperatures rise and it can get uncomfortable quickly. Once the temperatures reach the 80's and 90's, you likely turn on your air conditioning unit. But while your home comfort system can make you feel cooler and more relaxed, it can really hurt your wallet. Using your air conditioner can raise your energy bill significantly. You could end up losing hundreds of dollars over the course of the summer. But it is possible to be comfortable and still reduce your bills; the following six tips can help you save on air conditioning: When is the last time you replaced your unit's air filter? If it's been a while, it can accumulate dust and dirt, reducing its air flow. Examine the unit's air filters once a month and clean or replace filters when necessary. Keeping them clean can cut energy use by anywhere from 5% to 15%. If you have trouble remembering to check the filter, some thermostats have reminder lights that will change color when the filter needs to be replaced.

If you are using a central air conditioning unit, make sure the air ducts are properly insulated, especially those that pass through the attic or any other areas that are not air-conditioned. You may want to have a specialist check for holes or leaks in the ducts. Duct tape can offer a temporary repair, but eventually holes and leaks will need to be professionally fixed. If you have rooms in your house that you don't often use, such as a guest-bedroom, shut the doors and close the vents to save on energy. Make sure air isn't escaping through unnecessary openings such as fireplace dampers, doors or windows. Take a good look at the seals around these areas to see if weather stripping or caulk needs to be applied. While natural light is beautiful, in the summer months, the sun's rays can raise the temperature in your home. Close blinds and drapes or invest in blackout curtains to reduce heat from entering your home.Keep heat-producing appliances, such as televisions or lamps, away from the thermostat.

The heat they produce can cause your thermostat to think it needs to work harder to cool the room, using up more energy.Cooking, baking or using other appliances can also raise the temperature inside, forcing your air conditioner to work harder, so limit those activities during the hottest hours of the day.window ac units best buy Fans can also help cool your home at a fraction of the cost of an air conditioner. how much to install a new ac unitWhile it's unlikely that a fan can replace your unit completely, a fan can be a great supplement.  new ac unit for mobile homeOn milder days, using just the fans can save as much as 60% on your energy bill. Turning your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit is the most efficient setting for your air conditioner during warmer months.

Reducing your home's temperature lower, such as to 72 degrees, could increase your cooling costs by 12% to 47%. And when it's hot, don't set the air conditioner on a much lower temperature. While you may think that makes the unit work faster, in actuality it doesn't help cool the room any more quickly. ​As the heat and humidity begin to overwhelm us, we wonder how we'd survive without air conditioning. It's convenient to turn on the AC as soon as the temperature makes you uncomfortable but doing so could be harmful to more than just your wallet. Old and poorly-maintained AC units have been shown as factors in many health conditions, including respiratory conditions and the spread of some diseases. Fortunately, it's quite easy to minimize any such risks. Since air conditioning is everywhere now -- in our homes, cars and offices -- it's important to maintain clean units to protect indoor air quality and personal well-being. One popular service you may see advertised is air duct cleaning.

While the EPA cannot provide evidence to support the claim that cleaning your home's air ducts every year will reduce health problems, it does recommend having them cleaned if there is visible mold growth or a buildup of dust. Industry professionals also warn against the health problems associated with visible dust and mold. "There are several reasons to have a professional HVAC technician evaluate or clean your air conditioning system each year before you put it into operation," says Steve Beeler, president of RSC Heating and Air Conditioning. "Most importantly is the health and safety of the occupant." "The indoor section of an air conditioning unit creates condensation all summer long when the air conditioning unit runs, and is a prime catalyst for mold and mildew growth," says Beeler. "As the system lays dormant over winter, the mold can spread and grow and, if not cleaned properly, can create respiratory problems and what some people refer to as a 'dirty sock odor.' The blower wheel and motor also can become dust covered, which is a food source for mold to thrive."

Had part of your home renovated recently? That's another good reason to have your air ducts cleaned. Home renovations, especially if the changes were made to remove asbestos or lead-based paint, can cause unwanted debris to get caught inside ductwork. Having this debris cleaned out before you begin using your AC unit for the summer ensures that you don't end up circulating dust and particles from the renovation throughout your home. In addition to having a professional clean you air ducts, there are other steps you can take to make your air conditioner safer. Read on to learn more about poor air quality and how you can improve it. How Can Your AC Unit Cause Poor Air Quality in Your Home? Most residential AC units recirculate indoor air to save energy. This can negatively impact indoor air quality without a minimum of 15 cubic feet of outside makeup air per minute per person. When basic maintenance such as changing the filters is not performed, airflow is restricted.