Although we love Pinterest-worthy design features like wide-open windows, high ceilings, and exposed beams, they’re often what make our utility bills skyrocket. Unlike other cities where this time of year feels like fall, in Las Vegas we’re still in for some heat before the temperatures cool. That’s usually why utility bills in the Valley, whether you live in Henderson or North Las Vegas, are at their highest during the summer, but it’s also a problem in early fall.

In a 915-square-foot space, SmartAsset estimates a monthly utility bill around $177 a month, a high price when you consider that many homes in the Valley are much larger. To get a sense of how your home stacks up, the home energy yardstick is a good place to start because it’s a barometer that compares your home with other homes in Las Vegas.

Here’s how to lower your utility bills in Las Vegas even with Pinterest-worthy design features.

Outdoors

When a majority of homes in Spring Valley, Winchester, and Paradise have outdoor pools in their backyard, it’s important to remember that pools can be a drain on utility bills. Luckily, it’s possible to enjoy time in the sun without letting it ruin your finances. The Las Vegas Valley Water District notes that it’s quite possible for an exposed pool to lose an average 50 inches or more of water per year to evaporation, but a pool cover can offset the cost of the utility bill. Not only will you lose less water, you’ll also have a built-in heating source. The Southern Nevada Water Authority even offers a rebate program for pool covers.

Although an increasing number of homes in the Valley have small or nonexistent backyards, older homes have larger lawns. The grass may look greener, but a yard is a lot of upkeep. And when 70 percent of water use goes towards watering the lawn, it quickly becomes a problem on your bill. To make sure you aren’t using too much water, follow the mandatory watering schedule. Another option is converting your yard into a desert landscape, and the water authority offers a rebate for water smart landscaping as well.

Indoors

If your home has ceiling fans, it’s always a good idea to keep them spinning at their highest capacity throughout the day. If you do, your air conditioning will turn on less frequently and your home will remain at a more even temperature. If your home faces east, keep the window blinds shut in the morning and open them later in the day when the hottest part of the day is over. North and south facing homes in the Valley can employ similar measures, but it’s the west-facing homes that need to keep the blinds closed as frequently as possible. Another option is tinted glass, which lets you see out while neighbors can’t see in. Tinted windows have the added benefit of reducing the amount of light coming through the windows, keeping your home at a more even temperature.

In the evenings, lower the AC when the temperature cools down, turn off the lights when you’re not using them, and only turn on faucets when you’re using them. You can also look into energy-efficient appliances and use these tips for lowering specific charges on your electric, gas, and water bills. The Las Vegas Review-Journal also recommends using less power during peak hours to lower utility bills.

There may not be a lot of homes in Las Vegas with exposed beams or even floor-to-ceiling windows, but these tips are applicable wherever you live in the arid Las Vegas Valley.