Keep your cool this summer with these energy-saving tips

There's a lot to love about summer. At the same time, the season can run up your electric bill fast.Even if things are heating up in your area, there are many ways to keep your body temperature and electric bill down this summer.
Here are a few things you can do:

Spend more time in your garden
If the weather isn't dangerously hot, spending time outdoors can be a great way to enjoy your summer. Plus, the more time you spend outdoors, the less time you spend using electricity in your home, even if you have the AC running. Having a picnic in the shade, adding a shade structure, like a pergola and automate your thermostat are also useful.
Your thermostat is probably the biggest energy sucker in your home. Yes, having it on is crucial for keeping your home cool, but you're likely not home all day, every day.

Use electricity during off-peak hours
The time of day you use electricity can also affect your electric bill. Reducing the amount of electricity used during peak hours when reasonable can lessen the load on the power grid and save you some money every month.

Turn down your lights
Alongside your AC, your lights can increase your electric bill too. In the summer months this is an easy fix, with early sunrises and late sunsets, there are plenty of opportunities throughout the day to let in a little extra light without using electricity. Turn lights on and off when you enter or leave a room in automated way. It's a simple, easy and low-cost way to save energy.

Use your fan instead of your AC
A room fan can provide an affordable alternative to your AC.  So as long as you run your fan responsibly with other energy-saving strategies, it can help reduce your electric bill.