Cut cooling costs

As summer settles in and your HVAC system starts working harder to keep your home cool, you may be wondering how to avoid a sudden spike in your energy bill. Luckily, there are several ways you can reduce the impact of a heatwave on your wallet (and your HVAC system). From updating your home's insulation to installing a simple smart thermostat, here are a few ways to save.

Insulate your home

Proper insulation should be your first line of defense when it comes to helping your home regulate its temperature. A handyman can help update your home's weather-stripping and caulking as needed to keep cool air from escaping through the cracks. And you may also want to call an insulation professional to find out whether the material in your attic and crawlspace needs to be replaced.

If you have an old garage door that isn't properly sealed, consider replacing it with an upgraded model. This will help to moderate your garage temperature and prevent heat from escaping into your home.

Have your HVAC system serviced

If your HVAC system isn't keeping your home as cool as it should be, then it may be time to have it serviced. Most pros recommend having your system inspected and serviced at least once per year. Call a professional to come clean out your air ducts, replace your air filter and make sure everything is running as smoothly as possible.

Keeping your system in tip-top shape helps maximize its efficiency, which means you'll be paying less on a monthly basis to keep your home cool.

Install a smart thermostat

Reduce your energy bills with the help of a smart thermostat. Once installed, these devices allow you to schedule heating and cooling cycles throughout the day so your HVAC system only works hard when you're there to enjoy it. Many models allow you to control your system via smartphone, so you can adjust the settings as needed and optimize your home's cooling efficiency.

Talk to a handyman or heating and cooling pro about installing one of these devices in your home.

Use your system less

Take some pressure off of your HVAC system by keeping your home cool in other ways. Open your windows and curtains in the early morning and late evening when the weather is cooler and keep them closed during the hottest parts of the day. You may also want to invest in additional fans to help move cold air through the house.

For a long-term solution, consider strategically planting a few trees on your property to shade your home from the worst of the sun's rays. A landscaping expert can help you with this project.

Jenna Schuster is a reporter for HomeAdvisor, an online marketplace connecting homeowners with trusted service professionals to complete home projects. Visit HomeAdvisor.com.