The massive heat waves across the U.S. have many of us cranking up the AC to cool off. Unfortunately, that also means skyrocketing energy bills. 

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that American households will spend about $176 monthly on electricity bills, with a large portion going toward air conditioning. That's quite a chunk of change, especially when you have other expenses.

But don’t break a sweat yet — you can find clever ways to save money on your air conditioning bills without sacrificing your comfort. Check out these nine practical tips to keep your energy bills down while enjoying a cool, comfortable house during the summer months!

Switching to Windmill AC is like swapping your gas-guzzling clunker for a fuel-efficient hybrid. Windmill AC units are designed with energy efficiency in mind, using less power to cool your home than traditional air conditioners. 

These state-of-the-art devices use dual-filtration technology to capture particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander, providing the cleanest, freshest, and comfiest air in your home.

And here's the kicker — these units are nine times quieter and 35% more efficient than older models. That means you can save loads of money on your energy bill while enjoying the whisper-quiet performance of your AC unit. 

Plus, you can control your AC from anywhere using the Windmill smartphone app. Did you forget to turn off your AC before leaving for work? No sweat! Just whip out your phone, and you can rectify your forgetfulness with a few taps.

Windmill Air has partnered with Accrue Savings to help you save even more money. Sign up today and pay up to $50 less on your next Windmill AC unit purchase.

It sounds simple, but keeping the blinds in your house shut is one of the most effective ways to prevent heat from coming in and raising the temperature inside. During the summer, when temperatures can soar to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the sun can make your house unbearably toasty — pushing your HVAC system to work overtime.

Shutting the blinds in your house acts as a barrier, blocking out direct sunlight and keeping hot air from entering your living space. Opt for blackout curtains or shades in the rooms that get the most direct sunlight. 

To take it further, install window solar screens or films coated with a special protective layer to reflect sunlight and shield your home from harmful UV rays.

A smart thermostat is one of the best investments you can make when it comes to cutting down your energy costs. These intelligent devices learn your home’s temperature preferences and adjust automatically based on weather conditions, time of day, and occupancy levels. That means you won’t have to worry about manually adjusting the temperature while you’re away from your house.

Modern smart thermostats come with built-in voice control capabilities and also offer remote access. No more fumbling with clunky knobs and buttons; you can easily control your thermostat from the comfort of your couch.

Energy audits are a great way to identify areas in your home where you’re losing energy (and money!) and create an action plan for improvement. During the audit, a professional technician will inspect your home, evaluate the insulation levels, check your ductwork, and look for air leaks that could be driving up your air conditioning bill. 

Based on their findings, they will provide you with a customized home energy efficiency plan with tips and recommendations to reduce your electricity bills. These might include:

• Weatherstripping and caulking windows, doors, and other openings
• Adding insulation to your attic or walls
• Replacing old HVAC systems with newer, more efficient models
• Installing a programmable thermostat
• Switching to more energy-efficient appliances

If you can't afford a professional energy audit, you can conduct a DIY audit. Stand outside your home on a sunny day and hold one of your hands up to the windows, doors, and outlets. If you feel cold air coming through, caulk or weatherstrip the area to seal any air leaks. 

You don't have to blast your air conditioning unit whenever you feel hot. A ceiling fan is an inexpensive way to reduce energy costs while creating a refreshing breeze in your home. It creates a wind-chill effect, which makes you feel up to eight degrees cooler. That means you can raise the thermostat temperature by four degrees and still feel comfortable. 

Ceiling fans also offer two settings — “summer” and “winter” — that change the airflow direction in the room. In the summer, set the fan to spin counter-clockwise to push cool air down and distribute it evenly throughout the room.

This might sound counter-intuitive, but setting your thermostat a few degrees higher than you normally would can help reduce your utility bills. 

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting the temperature to 78 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re home. Raising your AC’s temperature by 7-10 degrees for eight hours per day could cut your annual energy costs by up to 10%. 

A programmable thermostat will help you maintain this temperature setting, as it automatically adjusts the temperature according to your preferences. You can remote control your thermostat settings from anywhere using a smartphone app, so that your house is nice and cool when you get home.

Appliances like ovens, dishwashers, heat pumps, and dryers generate a lot of heat while running. This warm air can make your home uncomfortably hot, forcing you to turn on your air conditioning system more frequently. 

Avoid using these appliances during peak hours when the temperatures outside are the highest (usually mid-afternoon). Instead, do these things to keep your cooling costs down:

• Run the dishwasher, heat pump, and oven at night when temperatures are cooler.
• Line dry your clothes.
• Use the microwave instead of the oven — it uses up to 80% less energy.
• Use an electric fan or open your windows for ventilation when you’re cooking.

You can also switch to energy-efficient appliances, which generate less heat and use less electricity. Energy-star certified appliances reduce energy consumption and costs by 10-50%, depending on the type of appliance.

Cool air will only reach your living space if your vents are free of blockages. Keep furniture, curtains, carpets, and other items away from your vents, so they don't obstruct the airflow. Don't forget to check for dust build-up, too. Any dirt or debris in your vents can reduce airflow efficiency and increase your air conditioning costs. 

Vacuum or wipe your vents regularly to free them from dirt and dust. You should also check your outdoor AC system unit for any blockages. Remove any branches, leaves, or debris clogging the system.

Did you know that a clean air filter can reduce your cooling system's energy use by 5-15%? A dirty air filter impedes airflow, forcing your system to work harder and use more energy. The result? High AC costs.

Regular maintenance is key to a properly functioning air conditioner. Inspect and replace your air filter every three months to ensure your system runs efficiently. 

If you have pets or allergies, an electrostatic filter could provide better air filtration and help reduce your cooling costs. Avoid using cheap filters and instead use manufacturer-recommended filters to keep your home cool and your energy bills low.

Save money on your AC bill with Accrue Savings

Saving money on your air conditioning costs doesn't have to be complicated. With a few simple tweaks and adjustments, you can take advantage of lots of things that will help you save money on your heating and cooling bills — such as regular maintenance, energy-efficient appliances, and upgrades. 

If you're looking for an easy way to save money for your AC bills, Accrue Savings can help. Our innovative savings platform helps you save for your energy bills by automatically transferring small amounts of money from your checking account into an FDIC-insured savings account. You can use our intuitive dashboard to track your progress and earn monetary rewards when you shop with our partner brands. 

Sign up today and shop from Windmill Air for $50 off your AC system.