No one is supposed to open their electricity bill and gasp in horror.

Yes, your bill is going to go up some once you start running your AC system. That’s to be expected. But by double or triple what you had been paying? That is not to be expected unless, that is, your system is getting up there in years and hasn’t been faithfully maintained from year to the next.

If you’re still recovering from the shock of your last electricity bill, here are some ways to calm yourself down and save money at the same time:

Unplug appliances and electronic equipment when you’re not using them. That goes for microwaves, computers, gaming devices, and all the rest. Because even though the power may be off, they’re still drawing power and running up your bill.

Replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED lights. Yes, you’ll pay more upfront, but the more popular they become, the more prices keep coming down. In the long run, you’ll end up spending less on light bulbs as CFLs and LEDs last much longer than incandescent bulbs. Plus, they have a much kinder and gentler impact on your electricity bill.

Close any blinds, shades and curtains over sun-facing windows, especially when the sun is beating down on them. That will definitely help you lower your AC-related electricity costs.

Consider adding one or more zones to your home, with a programmable thermostat to control heat and air conditioning in each. That way, you waste cool or warm air in empty areas of your home.

Don’t operate your oven or range during the hottest times of day. Instead, consider cooking two or meals in advance for the week ahead, grilling more, and eating more sandwiches and salads.

Have your windows, doors, and ductwork inspected to see if conditioned air is escaping, and where. That way you can seal the gaps and both heat and cool your home for less.

Here’s a superb money-saving idea: if it’s been a year or more since your AC system was last cleaned and inspected, having that service performed now could and probably would make a ig dent in your electricity bill. That’s because a well-maintained system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you cool. Contact Optimum Air to schedule service today, and even more ideas on how to lower your utility costs.