For most people, air conditioning takes the biggest bite out of their energy dollar. There are steps you can take to help keep your electric bill down when the thermometer goes up.

The simplest way to save is to turn up the thermostat. Experts recommend a setting of 78 degrees F as a good compromise between comfort and savings. You’ll use at least 5% more electricity for every degree setting lower than that.

Save more by turning the thermostat up further when you’re away from home. You can do this painlessly with a programmable thermostat that cools the house back to a comfortable temperature before you get home. If you have a heat pump, be sure to get a programmable thermostat specifically for heat pumps.

Use ceiling fans. Moving air can help you feel four to eight degrees cooler, but you only save money if you increase your thermostat setting and turn the fan off when you leave the room. Keeping your air conditioning in top running order ensures top efficiency. Have it checked at least once a year by a trained heating and air conditioning (HVAC) professional. Clean or replace air filters each month or as recommended by the manufacturer. Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing your system to work harder.

A common cause of higher cooling costs is leaky ductwork. Having your ductwork checked and leaks sealed can result in real savings.

If your air conditioning system is getting older, think about replacing it with a high efficiency ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner or heat pump. Today’s efficient models can significantly reduce the amount of electricity you use to cool your house. Talk to an HVAC professional about improving your system’s overall efficiency, including possibly improving insulation and ducting.

If you have rooms such as bonus rooms that stay uncomfortably warm, a scientific analysis of your home can find the most effective ways to increase comfort and decrease your heating and cooling costs. A Right Choice™ Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Audit costs an average of $350, but Jackson EMC members can receive rebates that offset some of the cost. Federal tax credits may also be available for selecting high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) units. Credits can go up to 30% for a system up to $1,500. Visit www.energystar.gov/taxcredits for detailed tax credit information.

For more information about saving energy, go to www.jacksonemc.com/smartenergy.