With warmer days also comes more opportunities to head outdoors and enjoy the sunlight with family and friends. But if you're like most homeowners, you'll still be spending a good chunk of your day inside your home during the warmest months of the year. If you want your family to remain comfortable in this environment, you're likely going to have to crank up the air conditioning and with that can come higher energy costs. If you'd like to keep your costs down this year while still keeping cool, here are a few tips that might help.

1. Keep an Eye on the Air Filter

The air filter in your air conditioner needs to remain clean and unclogged if you want your unit to continue operating efficiently. A clogged air filter filled with dust and other particles will force your entire system to stay on longer than it should have to to keep your home at the desired temperature. To help things remain efficient, change your air filter at the start of the season and then check it at least every month or more often if your A/C is getting heavy use.

2. Close and Seal the Windows

If your house has blinds or curtains, consider closing them as much as possible when the sun is beating down during the day. If you get the right kind of curtains, you'll still have some sunlight coming through to illuminate the room, but you'll also be blocking out a good bit of it. This can help keep the inside temperature cooler which means your air conditioner won't have to work as hard. While you're at it, be sure to check all of your windows, doors, and ducts and make sure everything is sealed properly, so you don't have cold air leaking out or hot air from outside sneaking in.

3. Use the Program Function on Your Thermostat

Many homes today are outfitted with programmable thermostats but whether or not the homeowner actually uses it can be another story. If you want to keep energy costs down, don't be afraid to set your thermostat to a warmer temperature if you will be out of the house at work all day. You can just tell it to start lowering the temperature an hour or so before you come home and you'll return to total comfort.

If you want to ensure your HVAC system is working as efficiently as possible this summer, reach out to a local company with professional HVAC technicians to get your entire system fully inspected. As summer progresses, don't forget to change your air filter, keep your curtains closed when possible and make good use of the program feature on your thermostat.