Five ways to save up to $130 on air conditioning as the temperature rises

This summer, prices and temperatures are rising.

But with a little ingenuity, Americans can cut their electric bills by about $130 a year.

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There are five tips, rounded out by CNET, that Americans can apply.

While energy costs vary by state, the average monthly electric bill is about $115.

Households in Hawaii pay up to $168.

The cost is much lower in Utah, where people pay $76 a month.

That’s according to the Department of Energy’s Annual Electric Power Report.

But by taking the following steps, households could save up to 10% on their energy bills.

This equates to around $130 per year for an average household.

1. Use a smart thermostat

Smart thermostats control the heating and cooling of your home.

Best of all, they’re app-enabled, meaning you can power them from your phone.

Many models can also be controlled with Alexa or Siri.

The US Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat seven to ten degrees warmer.

If you do this eight hours a day, you can reduce your bill by up to 10%.

2. Set the thermostats higher

While the Department of Energy recommends setting temperatures seven to 10 degrees higher, CNET says five degrees will do.

Setting higher thermostats maximizes efficiency, they say.

3. Close the blinds

Another way to reduce energy bills is to close the blinds as heat is drawn to them.

The darker the shade, the more heat is attracted.

Having your air conditioner running on autopilot also prevents it from running as often.

According to the Department of Energy, blinds can reduce heat by up to 33%.

4. Try a dehumidifier

If you live in a humid climate, using a dehumidifier can help draw moisture out of the air.

This makes the air in any room drier and more comfortable.

It also relieves the air conditioning.

5. Insert window awnings

Window awnings are blinds that are placed on the outside of the house over each window.

They essentially block the sun.

According to CNET, they reduce heat gain by up to 77%.

For more information on energy savings, see The Sun for devices that can cost you even when they’re off.

Also, low-income Americans could receive $240 in payments to curb gas prices.

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