Spring is here, and it’s time for a fresh start! As you think about spring cleaning and what needs to be done around your home, remember to keep energy efficiency in mind.

Here are five simple energy efficiency tips to keep your electric bill low this spring. These tips can help keep your home cool throughout the hotter summer months, too.

• Service your air conditioner. Routinely replacing or cleaning your air filters can lower your cooling system’s energy consumption by up to 15 percent. Don’t forget to check your air conditioner’s evaporator coil, which should be cleaned annually before the cooling season to ensure the system is performing at optimal levels.
• Upgrade your thermostat. A web-programmable “smart” thermostat can save you money—as much as 10 percent on your annual electric bill. It gives you the power to control your home's temperature remotely (on your computer or smart phone) or to program a pre-set schedule, so it's just right when you walk in the door.
• Cook outside. On warmer days, keep the heat out of your home by cooking with an outdoor grill instead of using indoor ovens. Make sure to follow all safety instructions when cooking with a grill.
• Make spring greener. Proper selection and placement of trees, shrubs, and vines helps lower the heating and cooling needs of a home or business. Remember to call 8-1-1 before you dig so your local electric company can send a professional to mark locations of underground lines or pipes appropriately.
• Caulk air leaks and seal ducts. Using low-cost caulk to seal cracks and openings in your home keeps the cool air inside and the hot air outside—and cash in your wallet. Air loss through leaky ducts also can lead to high electricity costs, accounting for up to 30 percent of a cooling system’s energy consumption. Sealing and insulating ducts can go a long way toward lowering your electricity bill.

For more energy-saving tips, check out EEI’s booklet, More Than 100 Ways to Improve Your Electric Bill.