Electricity costs usually skyrocket during the summer as homeowners rely on air conditioning to cool off. Other appliances like dehumidifiers and refrigerators also see more usage, again increasing your utility bills.

The U.S. News & World Report recognizes this issue in its “8 Ways to Trim Your Summer Electric Bills” article. They recommend their 8 best ways to beat the summer heat while saving energy, including one involving Benefyd.

Here’s a quick summary of recommendations the U.S. News & World Report gave to its readers:

• Programmable thermostats can turn your air conditioner on and off automatically on a set schedule. This prevents you from wasting energy on cooling an empty house.
• Reduce the need for air conditioning by blocking heat from entering your home. Close your drapes or shades and apply reflective window film to any windows that face the sun.
• Humid air makes your house feel hotter. Running an energy efficient humidifier can reduce the time you need to run your air conditioner. Likewise, running fans while you shower can help reduce humidity.

U.S. News & World Report also advised readers to perform a home energy audit using the Benefyd app. They recommend a home energy audit to identify energy efficiency improvements you can make in your home, that also save you money.

While professional home energy auditors are an option, hiring one costs at least several hundred dollar. That’s where Benefyd shines; the ability to audit your home yourself without a high overhead.

The Benefyd app itself walks you through a series of questions about your home, asking about your insulation, appliances, doors, windows, and more. It then generates a customized report that includes information on home improvements you can make to save money and energy.

The app makes a great tool for homeowners who aren’t sure where to begin when it comes to saving energy. In just five minutes, you’ll have an informational report to help reduce your electricity bills all summer long.