During the hottest weeks of summer, your home's air conditioning system is a necessity that helps you beat the heat and stay safe from the dangers of high temperatures. That's why two out of three American homes today are equipped with air conditioners.

However, you might be unknowingly spending hundreds of dollars in energy costs to keep your air conditioner running during this time of the year. If you're sick of paying steep utilities bills every month, it might be time to consider some small, easy changes that will help your air conditioner cool your home more efficiently.

Want to keep your home comfortable and cool without breaking the bank? Follow these four fool-proof tips for reducing your air conditioner's energy consumption all summer long:

When the sun goes down, turn the temperature up
When you're sleeping, you likely won't notice if your house is a few degrees warmer. Because of this, a great way to cut down on your energy costs is to set your thermostat a few degrees higher at night. This will require your air conditioner to run less, saving you money in the process.

Have your air conditioner tuned up once yearly
It's generally recommended that you seek out an AC contractor once a year to perform regular maintenance and tune-ups to help keep your system as energy efficient as possible. Basic maintenance can help you save up to 15% in energy use each year.

Consider replacing your air conditioner for a newer model
Did you know that an air conditioner's average lifespan is approximately 12 years? If you've been using your air conditioner for longer than that, you may want to consider investing in a newer, more energy efficient model. Newly-manufactured air conditioners use about 30 to 50% less energy than older models while producing the same amount of cooling.

Remember the 78 degree rule
Air conditioning experts have determined 78 degrees Fahrenheit as the temperature at which an air conditioning system will perform at its most energy efficient level. Even setting your thermostat five degrees below this will cause your air conditioner to consume 40% more energy.

Have any other questions about how to hire an AC contractor for air conditioning services that will boost your system's energy efficiency? Let us know in the comments below.