When the heat outside just won’t quit, it can be difficult to resist the temptation to crank up the air-conditioning for some relief. And, while you should never force yourself to live in uncomfortable agony, you can prevent a sky-high energy bill by remembering these tips.

• Put appliance use on hold. Even if just for the hottest part of the day, wait to do laundry, use the oven, and run the dishwasher, which will reduce energy costs associated with these appliances. It will help reduce the heat they give off, too, alleviating some pressure on your AC unit.

• Let the AC do its job. By placing objects on top of air vents or in front of window units, you are forcing your air-conditioner to work harder than necessary. Make sure there are no barriers to prevent your machine from working efficiently—and this includes clearing out accumulations of dust from filters.

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  Make some shade. If you don’t have a large tree in your yard to give your house some extra shade, consider closing the blinds and curtains during the warmest parts of the day. This won’t let in as much natural light, of course, but it can help bring down the temperature temporarily.

• Unplug what you don’t use. If you aren’t using that fan or phone charger, unplug it. All electronics generate heat and, in turn, will bring heat into your home if left plugged in. The same is true for your television and computer, even if they’re turned off.

• Stay up to date. It’s always a good idea to have your HVAC system serviced once a year to ensure it is running efficiently and that there are no leaks or other complications. A service provider can also help you upgrade to a more energy-efficient system, if you’re interested.

By following these basic energy-saving tips, you can bet your bill won’t break the bank this season, leaving you plenty of room in your budget for summer fun!

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Don’t sweat your energy bill—cool off the smart way, and help others do it, too, by sharing this guide on social media.