It can be daunting to hear air conditioners humming during a heat wave and imagine your electric bill ticking relentlessly upward.

The challenge of managing cooling costs has increased in recent years with more people working from home and climate change bringing hotter, more humid summers to Maine.

Choosing more sustainable energy options such as electric vehicles and heat pumps can increase electricity use as they reduce other fuel costs.

On the upside, many strategies to reduce electricity use in the summer also will help save on heating costs in the winter.

Here are six ways to reduce household electricity use in the summer:

1. Block out the sun

Bare windows allow the sun’s rays to enter a home and heat indoor air and surfaces. Keep curtains, blinds and shades closed, especially during the hottest parts of the day and on south- and west-facing windows. Depending on the materials used, studies show window coverings can reduce heat gain as much as 77% and lower the need for air conditioning. Even without AC, it’s a good idea to keep windows and doors closed as long as the inside temperature is lower than outside. Open up after dark.

2. Seal the envelope

Cracks and gaps in the building envelope — exterior walls, windows, doors, attic and foundation — are year-round energy thieves. Applying or replacing caulking, weather-stripping, spray foam and insulation can be a relatively easy, effective and inexpensive way to ensure hot air stays out and the cool air stays in. Homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by air sealing their homes, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Avoid over sealing, which can affect air quality.

3. Not using It? Unplug it

Standby power, or “vampire energy,” is electricity that home electronics and appliances use all day and night, even when they’re turned off. It accounts for roughly 15% of electricity used in American households, costing homes about $217 annually, according to a Payless Power study.

Turn lights off when rooms aren’t in use and switch to LED light bulbs, which use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer. Kitchen appliances and cable TV boxes are top power leeches. Switch to Energy Star-rated appliances whenever possible.

Get in the habit of unplugging appliances when not in use, including coffee makers, toasters, gaming consoles and night lights. Use power strips to turn off several devices at once. Timed power strips allow this action to be programmed.

4. Maximize air conditioner efficiency

Clean or replace air conditioner filters regularly for maximum airflow and efficiency and make sure they’re properly installed to minimize outside air infiltration. If a window unit or central air system is 10-20 years old, upgrading to an Energy Star-rated model can reduce cooling costs 20%-40%. They’re also often quieter, lighter and programmable. On really hot days, use ceiling and portable fans to help circulate cooled air in larger spaces.

Experts recommend setting the temperature at 75-78 degrees when you’re home and 85 degrees when you’re away for reduced but continued control of heat and humidity. Increasing the set temperature of central air conditioning 1 degree can reduce cooling costs 3%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

5. Best heat pump strategy is ‘set it and forget it’

Mainers have installed over 200,000 heat pumps because they are the most efficient way to heat and cool, according to Efficiency Maine. They work best when maintaining a consistent temperature. Turning a heat pump down when you’re asleep or away may actually use more energy because it must work harder to resume the desired temperature. Better to set it at a comfortable temperature and forget it.

6. Cook dinner outdoors

Make meals that don’t require electric appliances or take the opportunity to grill outdoors. Avoid using a stove or oven, which not only uses electricity, but also creates heat and increases the need for air conditioning. In general, limit household activities that consume electricity or increase indoor temperature. Use appliances such as dishwashers and clothes dryers after sunset.