Monday, June 7, 2021 7:05 am

(NAPSI)--After over a year of staying close to home, lots of people are ready for summer fun. However, warm days can mean much higher energy bills--but you can do something about that.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR program has a few tips to help you prep your home so you can save energy and money all summer long.

Step #1: Get Your HVAC System Ready: Check your air filters monthly. A dirty air filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you cool--wasting energy.

Step #2: Get Smart About Your Thermostat Use: The average home spends $1,900 per year on utility bills, nearly half going to heating and cooling. The more you spend on those bills the more you could save with an ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostat--up to $100 a year.

Step #3: Cool Your Home Efficiently: If you're in the market for a new room air conditioner, choose one that's earned the ENERGY STAR label. Certified models cost less than $70 per year to run, on average. If your HVAC cooling equipment is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement. Check out the ENERGY STAR Heating and Cooling guide to choose the right equipment to help you save energy (energystar.gov/hvacguide). Select products even come with substantial tax credits.

Learn More

Visit energystar.gov/cooling for other tips and resources.