By grilling outside, you’ll be reducing the amount of heat that builds up from using the oven in your home. This will save your air conditioner from working overtime, which in turn will save you money on your power bill.

In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests you avoid using the oven on any hot day to keep home temperatures down. Instead, limit indoor cooking to the stovetop or microwave oven.

The DOE offers the following tips to avoid heat buildup in the home:

• Take advantage of daylight, but avoid direct sunlight.

• Install efficient lighting that runs cooler, like compact fluorescent light bulbs.

• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.

• Take short showers instead of baths.

• Use spot ventilation in the kitchen and bathroom to remove the heat and humidity from your home.

“Even devices like televisions, stereos and computers will add some heat to your home,” Santee Cooper Vice President of Retail Operations Zack Dusenbury said. “It’s important to be aware of the kinds of conveniences that might be costing you comfort, especially during these dog days of summer.”

Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s state-owned electric and water utility, and the state’s largest power producer, supplying electricity to more than 163,000 retail customers in Berkeley, Georgetown, and Horry counties.