Now more than ever, your family is probably looking for ways to cut costs. What are you doing to make sure you aren’t spending more than necessary on your energy bills? During the summer, a significant portion of your energy bill will be the result of running your air conditioner.

Your AC is likely running frequently to keep your home cool and comfortable while the temperature outside is high. When your cooling system is operating this much, it’s no surprise that it’s going to cause your energy bill to increase. But did you know that there are some cooling mistakes you may be making that could be bumping these costs even higher than they should be? Read on to learn more.

Mistake #1: Not changing the air filter regularly.

All air passing through the ducts in your home first goes through the air filter. Often, the filter is installed as part of the heating system. As a result, many homeowners mistakenly believe that they don’t need to change their filter during the cooling season. Wrong.

Your air filter should be replaced at least once per month, more often if you have pets or smokers in your home. The filter’s main role is to prevent airborne materials, including dust, dirt, pet dander, and other allergens from circulating through the air in your family’s home. When the filter isn’t changed often and is clogged with pollutants, air can’t easily pass through. This means that your AC has to work extra hard to move the air. This extra strain on your cooling system won’t just cause premature wear and tear on the parts, but it’ll cost you on your energy bills.

Mistake #2: Not scheduling annual maintenance.

According to expert cooling technicians, you should have your air conditioner maintained by a pro on a yearly basis. That’s when a skilled and experienced tech will thoroughly clean and inspect your AC’s internal parts. Many potential problems that could lead to a breakdown could be caught early.

The technician will also ensure that the unit is operating as safely and efficiently as possible. When you fail to schedule a maintenance appointment each year, your cooling system could be running with an underlying issue that’s not allowing it to cycle on and off in an efficient manner. As a result, you may be facing expensive repair fees and rising energy bills from month to month.

Mistake #3: Using an AC that isn’t the right size for your home.

If your cooling system isn’t the right size for your home’s needs, it’s not going to operate as efficiently as a unit that’s properly sized. An air conditioner that’s too large will waste a significant amount of energy, and one that’s too small will be running non-stop to try and keep up with the cooling demands set on your thermostat.

This is why it’s crucial that you work with an HVAC professional when your family is considering AC replacement. They will ensure that your new unit is perfect for your family’s cooling needs and the size of your home.

Mistake #4: Neglecting to act on warning signs.

If you’ve noticed your air conditioner making odd noises, such as clanking, banging or rattling, don’t ignore it! You may think that these noises are just annoying, or just your unit’s way of letting you know it’s running. These could actually be an indication that one of your unit’s internal components has become disconnected or is experiencing some sort of malfunction that needs to get addressed immediately — before more damage is done.

In turn, the continued improper operation of your air conditioner could be causing your unit to not operate as efficiently as it once did, and you may notice an increase in your energy bills — and repair fees.

Mistake #5: Cranking the temperature on your thermostat.

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that they can turn the temperature down on their thermostat by a substantial amount and cool their space faster. This is not the case. Turning the temperature down isn’t going to cool your home any faster. Also, when the temperature is turned down by 10 to15 degrees, many people will forget to turn it back up again once their home feels as cool as they’d like. This could also cause an increase in your energy bills.

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