# Five Ways To Take Charge Of Your Cooling Costs > You fire up your air conditioner, then your electric bill lets you know it’s time to take charge of your cooling costs. Simple steps add up. ![take charge of your cooling costs, Boston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Air-sealing.gif)It’s as automatic as seeing a green light and putting your foot on the gas: The temperature in your home is hot and stifling so you turn on the air conditioner. ![take charge of your cooling costs, Boston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Air-sealing.gif) And then your electric bill arrives, and you realize it’s time to take charge of your cooling costs. You don’t have to take your foot off the gas of your air conditioner, but even [simple cost-cutting measures will add up](http://rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham/air-conditioning-newton.html). Consider these five ways: - **Install a programmable thermostat** -- You can use one so that you aren't cooling your home when it isn’t occupied. Families who can adjust their home’s thermostat for eight hours at a time can save up to 10 percent a year on their energy costs, according to the U.S Department of Energy. And for every degree you can raise the temperature, you can save as much as 4 percent on your energy bill. - **Turn on your air conditioner only when the temperature climbs to 78 degrees** -- Give yourself time to adjust if you’re used to a lower temperature, but adjust you will – in time. In the meantime, stay cool by closing windows, drapes and shades during the day to keep out the sunlight. When the sun goes down, open your windows and turn on fans to draw in cooler air. - **Install energy-efficient windows** -- In addition to doors, old or inefficient windows can be huge energy wasters. Energy Star-rated windows can reduce this waste by about 20 percent. - **Seal air leaks** around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping – the next best thing to installing replacements. And insulate your ductwork, especially in unconditioned areas such as the attic, basement and garage. - **Exercise good energy conservation habits** throughout your home -- Do not place heat-producing appliances such as a television or lamps near the thermostat. The heat that emanates from them can set off your air conditioner and cause it to run longer than necessary. Check that no furniture obstructs your air-conditioning vents. Close the doors to rooms you don’t use or close the vents there. For other sure-fire ways to cut your cooling costs, call the experts at [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html). We serve the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts. ***Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioners* ***and other HVAC topics, download our free [Home Comfort Solutions Guide](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/download-the-home-comfort-solutions-guide.html).***** ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/take-charge-of-your-cooling-costs.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/take-charge-of-your-cooling-costs.html)