Summer is just around the corner, and many regions of the US are already experiencing warmer temperatures and higher humidities. Even if temps aren't sweltering yet, they will be soon -- and that means you may be finding yourself running to turn down the temperature on your thermostat. But when you lower the temp more frequently, you'll also experience a higher electric bill.

Here are tips to keep your business as comfortable as possible while minimizing the amount of electricity you use. 

1. Get a smart thermostat

If you haven't upgraded to a smart thermostat it might be time to make a change. Smart thermostats can regulate heating and cooling to save money. Plus, you can adjust the settings remotely using an app on your phone or via voice commands. 

2. Check the placement of your thermostat

Thermostat placement can play a big part in how well your air conditioner works. If you put the thermostat on a wall right next to a hot window or hot kitchen, for instance, your air conditioner will kick on much more often than it needs to because it will think the room is hotter than it actually is.

3. Close the window blinds

A window letting in the hot sun won't just heat up your thermostat, it'll heat your customers up too. During the warmest part of the day, close your blinds to keep out the sun. It can also help insulate your windows, which stops the cold air from escaping.

4. Try ceiling fans

You don't always need to amp up the AC to feel cooler. Using a ceiling fan can make a room feel cooler, enough that you can increase the thermostat temperature by 4 degrees "with no reduction in comfort." If you want to get high-tech, you can install a smart ceiling fan that connects to an app and automatically adjusts based on schedules you create. Just make sure your fans are rotating counterclockwise in the summer to get the most benefit.