Keep cool this summer and save on your energy bills with these tips!

Summer is here, and temperatures are heating up. With scorching temperatures, your air conditioner will be put to good use all season long. But, despite its ability to keep you cool, your air conditioner is an energy guzzler. Not only is more energy consumption harmful to the environment, but it means that your energy bill is about to skyrocket. Keep your utility bills low and check out these tips to use less energy this summer. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat. Upgrade your thermostat to a programmable version. While it may be an added expense up front, it will work wonders to save you money in the future. Program your thermostat so that you're only using your air conditioning when you need it. That way when you're not home, you're not using energy to cool an empty house. Put Your Ceiling Fans to Good Use.   Using your ceiling fan consums less energy than if you were to lower the temperature on your thermostat. When you use your fan, you can keep your home four degrees warmer without having to sacrifice comfort. Just remember to turn off the fan when you leave the room. They don't do much to cool a room, but they create a wind chill factor to help keep you cool when you're present. Inspect Your Cooling System. A properly running system uses energy most efficiently. Inspect your cooling system so that you can take care of any issues and save energy. Regularly clean your filter and keep any hot lamps or electronics away from your thermostat. Take control of your energy use and protect your home this summer with homeowners insurance. The professionals at Weeks & Associates Insurance Services in Thousand Oaks, California can help you find the best personal and commercial insurance for your needs. Contact us for more information.