The summer months are almost over, but we still have at least a few more weeks of sweltering heat before crisp Autumn air takes over. While you may be hard pressed to find someone that doesn’t love the chilling cold of the air conditioner, running your AC all summer long can have a big impact on your wallet and the environment.

Rather than running your AC all summer long, consider only running it on the hottest days. On days that are hot, but not unbearably so, try other tactics for staying cool. Keep blinds and shades closed to protect your home from the sun, close unused rooms to keep hot air from circulating, and remember to drink lots of water.

Did you know…

• Air conditioners alone release over 100 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually
• 5% of the energy usage in the U.S. is used to power air conditioners
• Most Americans spend over $300 a year cooling their homes