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VALUE-ADD 28 COMING HOME MAGAZINE The only summer essential cooler than iced tea or lemonade is a powerful air conditioner, but longer days mean your AC is working overtime. Luckily, you can keep your cool and lower your utility bill with these tips and tricks. Cool It Optimize your thermostat. Lowering the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures reduces costs. Just bump up your thermostat to save cold, hard cash. A room temp of around 78°F is usually comfortable and gives your air conditioner a much-deserved break. Additionally, you can invest in a smart thermostat. These handy gadgets allow you to set temperature schedules throughout the day so you aren't cooling an empty house. Get the air moving. There are a few ways to circulate air and drop your home's temperature naturally. Consider mounting ceiling fans and rotating them counterclockwise to pull warmer air up and push colder air down. On mild mornings and evenings, switch off your AC and strategically open windows on opposite sides of your home, pulling in fresh air and creating a breeze through cross ventilation. Cut the cord on heat sources. Believe it or not, kitchen and laundry appliances can heat your space and overload your air conditioner. To lessen system strain, choose microwaves and grills over ovens and stovetops, and avoid running your dryer and dishwasher during the hottest hours of the day. It's also a good idea to unplug devices that aren't in use. Block the sun. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), heat gain and loss through windows account for 25-30% of a home's temperature- related energy use. Prevent heat from entering through windows by closing curtains and blinds or installing solar window shades. Planting leafy trees on the south and west sides of your property can provide shade and decrease the need for air conditioning, too. Seal leaks. Cool air can escape through gaps and cracks, sending your bills soaring. Look for openings in leak-prone areas, such as around doors, windows, electrical outlets, attic hatches, pipe entrances, and HVAC ducts, and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk to improve insulation and enhance efficiency. Keep up with maintenance. Staying on top of AC maintenance can minimize energy consumption— and seriously pay off. Replace air filters every two to three months, and schedule an annual tune-up so a professional can test the system, clean the unit, inspect ductwork, and more. SIMPLE WAYS TO LOWER YOUR AC BILL. Looking for an AC maintenance pro? Use Thumbtack! Thumbtack connects you with a network of 300,000 local businesses that specialize in countless services, from house cleaning to home organization services, maintenance and repair, remodeling and much more. With 11 million 5-star reviews, you can feel confident knowing you're in good hands. Visit www.thumbtack.com to learn more.