For Alabamians, summer brings pool parties and barbecues, but it also brings sweltering heat and resulting higher water and electricity bills.

As temperatures rise, it's important to be prepared and informed about what you can do to keep energy costs low and conserve water throughout the hotter months. Get ready with these cost-saving and energy-saving tips for your home so you can focus on your family and community this summer.

Energy Saving: Strategies for Staying Cool

Saving on energy usage in the summer is essential to lower your energy bills and reduce your impact on the environment. Summer means you need to keep your air conditioner running all the time, so keeping cool is especially important during the hottest months. Consider these suggestions to help keep you and your family cool while keeping your energy costs down.

• Use a programmable thermostat. When you are away from home, set your thermostat at a higher temperature to reduce energy costs. When you first turn on your air conditioner, don't set your thermostat at a lower than normal setting — this won't cool your home any faster, it could overcool it and lead to unnecessary expenses.
• Air conditioning maintenance. To keep your cooling system running efficiently, schedule regular maintenance for your air conditioning unit. Clean or replace your air conditioner filters regularly to improve air quality and airflow.
• Take advantage of our in-house programs. Huntsville Utilities' Home Energy Survey Program (HESP) offers you an on-site home survey that includes a detailed report of recommended energy efficiency improvements specific to your home. The cost of the survey will be included on your next bill.

Save water: Protect the environment and your wallet

Conserving water is important for both drinking water and wastewater systems, as well as protecting your wallet from unexpected expenses. During the hot summer months, you can expect to see an increase in water usage, from water demands for lawns and plants to more frequent showers and more laundry. As temperatures rise, it's time to monitor your water usage more closely. Here are some ways to reduce water usage despite the rising temperatures.

• Be careful when the tap is open. A simple way to reduce water usage is to turn off the tap while you brush your teeth, shampoo, shave, etc. If your tap is leaking, make sure to get it repaired as soon as you notice the problem.
• Only perform a full load. Summer is a season when you have a lot of laundry to do. Make sure you wash your laundry all at once instead of doing it in small loads. Make sure you choose a washing machine with the right capacity. The same goes for your dishwasher. Wait until the dishes are full before washing them.
• Consider the view of your home. One of the biggest water consumers during the summer is watering your lawn and garden. Huntsville Utilities recommends watering your lawn every other day and turning off your sprinkler system on rainy days. Additionally, consider planting native and drought-tolerant plants that don't need as much water.

Check out Huntsville Utilities' YouTube for cost-saving tips you can use right now. Video Library.