The thick of the summer is upon us, and if you’re like most people, you probably have your air conditioner working full blast. There’s no way to brave the high temperatures during the summer with fans alone; a functioning HVAC system is crucial.

For this reason, HVAC companies in the U.S. draw in about $71 billion in revenue every year, and in the last five years, this industry has experienced a 4.1% annual growth.

The only problem with HVAC systems running continuously is that these units often require heating and air repair, and can be extremely costly if you analyze your monthly energy bill. In fact, the Energy Information Administration reports that about half of an average American home’s energy costs go directly to heating and cooling.

But there are ways to curb these expenses and the most cooling for your money. Here are a few things you can do.

Planting Trees
Not only do trees provide ample shade and oxygen, but studies show that when you plant trees near an AC unit, you could be increasing your unit’s efficiency by 10%. The reason for this statistic from the U.S. Department of Energy is that low-hanging branches help to keep the sunlight out of your home, subsequently making your house cooler. Essentially, your air conditioner won’t have to work so hard to cool your home, thereby reducing your energy bill.

Programming Your Thermostat
If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat in your house, you will want to get one. With this system, you can create a schedule for your air conditioner, setting it to a higher temperature when no one is home, and a lower one when people are in the house. You can also reduce your cooling at night, since outdoor temperatures tend to drop when it gets dark. Programming a thermostat could save the average homeowner about $180 in energy costs every year.

Repairs
One of the biggest mistakes you can make with your HVAC unit is to miss your yearly inspection. By calling a heating and air repair company to check your system every year before the cooling season, you could be saving yourself money on more complicated repairs. HVAC contractors can detect problems with your unit, and replace any dysfunctional parts immediately. Without the help of a heating and air repair company, your unit could lose its efficiency because of faulty or rusty parts.

So, don’t spend a fortune on keeping your house cool and comfortable for the rest of the summer. Instead, save your money, and treat your family to a little more ice cream.