The weather is heating up and soon you'll be leaving your air conditioner on around the clock. Unfortunately, staying cool during the hottest time of the year can drive up your energy bills and leave you fighting with your budget.

The good news is there are plenty of ways you can reduce your energy use without sacrificing your comfort. Here are a few ways you can save money around your house this summer without busting your budget.

Take care of the trees in your yard
The maple tree by the side of your house may be the last thing you think of when it comes to saving on energy costs. But it turns out the shade from trees can actually reduce your air conditioning costs by up to 25% during the summer months.

In fact, trees can also save you money during the winter months, too. Because they help to shield against the wind, trees can reduce heating costs in your home by at least 10%.

You can take care of your trees by trimming them when necessary. It's also important to keep an eye…