By Carol Callahan
Source:  http://www.ehow.com

Your summer electric bill will more than likely be, by far, the most expensive bill if you compare the dollar amounts throughout the whole year. I can say this from personal experience being a former energy consultant for a non-profit electric company.

1. Step 1

   Check where you room registers are set. This is the single step that will solve most of your problems. Close registers in unused rooms like storage rooms or small bathrooms where the door can be left open to still have circulation. It is okay to close 1-2 depending on the size of your system and number of registers throughout the whole house.

2. Step 2

   Check your air intake filter monthly. I know that this sounds excessive, but it is not. You will be surprised how many airborne pollutants are in your house all of the time. If it is dirty change it. They are usually located in the hallway ceiling or wall.

3. Step 3

   

   Set your thermostat to 78 degrees while you are at home and 85 degres while you are away. No reason to run the ac when you are at work. If you don’t have one, get one that is programmable. This feature allows you to set your A/C to turn on 30 minutes or so before you expect to get home.

4. Step 4

   For all electric systems or heat pumps: Do not adjust the temperature more than 1-2 degrees from the current temperature at one time. If you do your system will go into an “emergency electric draw” and cost a whole lot more without cooling a whole lot more. Once you have reached the 1-2 degree temperature drop decrease the thermostat another 1-2 degrees until the desired temperature is achieved.

5. Step 5

   Install heavy curtains or light blocking shades. This prevents additional sun rays from baking the air inside of your house like an oven.

6. Step 6

   

   Use fans. It really doesn’t matter whether it is a ceiling fan or an oscillating fan as long as it moves air. Moving air appears to feel cooler than still air. This cooling effect can be intensified by misting yourself with spray bottle filled with water.

7. Step 7

   Check your window and door seals. With age all seals eventually go bad. Change out any cracked or peeling seals. Recaulk around your windows if necessary.

8. Step 8

   Close the doors if you go outside. There is no reason to air condition the whole neighborhood.

9. Step 9

   

   Have your A/C unit coils cleaned and inspected by a certified electrician approved by your local electric company. You may need to have the air conditioner coils cleaned periodically as they develop a dirty buildup. During the same service call have the freon levels checked as it may be low due to a leak in the system.

10. Step 10

    

    Plant a tree. You would be surprised at how much this step will help. The tree’s natural shade will keep everything a little cooler, therefore, translating into dollar savings, plus it is good for the environment. Check with your local electric company to see if they have a free shade tree program.