As summer starts to heat up and temperatures rise, many of us are cranking up the air conditioners to stay cool. It should come as no surprise then that air conditioners use about 5 percent of all the electricity produced in the U.S., costing homeowners more than $11 billion a year in energy costs.

This summer, instead of blasting the air conditioner (and blowing your electricity bills through the roof), you can take simple actions that will help you beat the heat. For example, replacing a dirty, clogged air filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5-15 percent, while using a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees without impacting your comfort.

Whether you’re looking to save on cooling costs with your current air conditioner or you want to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model, our new Energy Saver 101 infographic has you covered. From how air conditioners work to the different types of systems on the market to proper maintenance, the infographic lays out everything you need to know about home cooling. Plus, throughout the infographic you’ll find energy-saving tips and advice on common air conditioner problems.

With just a few small changes, you can relax in comfort this summer while saving some cold, hard cash.