Summer is heating up and staying cool can become costly, but Vicksburg electrician Howard Lambert said something as simple as keeping outdoor units clean can shave dollars off air conditioning expenses.

It’s the busy season for Lambert and others in his profession, as residents crank up the AC to battle the increased temperatures that will last long into the fall.

Lambert said there are lots of things people can do to cut down their energy bill, along with making sure old leaves and clippings are removed from the unit.

He said by cleaning the outdoor unit with a water hose the air conditioning system will run more efficiently.