Saving Money on Cooling Costs

I'm not sure what it's like in your corner of the world, but in Houston, the sun is trying to melt our homes a bit more everyday, it seems. While it's not quite as hot here as it has been in past summers, the heat continues to soar onward and upward as the calendar year rolls on.

What's just as bad as the heat itself is the way it affects energy expenses. For some, it could easily send their electricity bill straight through the roof. However, even though we're getting to the hottest point of summer, there are still ways to cut back on the bills.

Check out some of our tips for saving money on cooling costs:

• Maintain your air conditioner. Be sure to have your AC unit serviced at the start of each summer in order to keep it running up to par. I know from experience that it would be bad to have it give out right in the middle of the heat. Also, change your filters regularly.

• Install a programmable thermostat. This is one of the easiest ways to start saving money right away on your cooling costs. Setting a thermostat to warmer while you're not at home can help cut your energy bill significantly.

• Use trees to shade your home Never underestimate the value of a good tree or shrub to provide shade over parts of your home, especially windows facing direct sunlight. If you are not able to do this, consider installing awnings over the windows, as they will help keep as much heat from entering your home.

• Close the leaks. There are no doubt air leaks all around the house. This could be from the weather stripping around a doorway or a window, as well as sealed places where utilities enter the home. Keep all the cool air inside!

• Avoid generating heat inside. There are a variety of things that add heat to your living space, such as ovens, dryers, dishwashers, computers and more. Use air dry settings on your dishwasher, and hibernate your computer if it is not in use. In addition, turn off lights in rooms that are not being used, and grill outside if you want to cook. All of these things can significantly reduce cooling costs.

• Use fans. While fans won't lower the temperature of a room, they blow heat away from you. This means that you can set the thermostat a couple of ticks warmer, which will save you money in the long run. Fans cost less to operate than your AC unit, so utilize them as much as possible.

Do you have any additional ideas for how to save money on cooling costs? Feel free to share them with us in the comments!