Spring has arrived and soon it'll be time to crank up the air conditioning unit. Summertime can be crucial for some people because of high heat and/or humidity. How can high bills be eliminated? Here is a little information to keep tempers from rising along with the heat...

Central air conditioning is standard in some areas of the country. In other areas, it's a downright necessity! During those hot months, many residential homes suffer from high electricity bills. By following these sensible energy-saving tactics, you should save a load of money this summer:

• When investing in a window air conditioning unit, don't be easily swayed in your judgment because the unit is big. Judge the size of the air conditioning unit on the space of the room. Consider the other factors that go into the decision-making such as how many windows are in the room. Other factors include the direction it faces. The reason for this is because an air conditioning unit too big for the size of the room will burn more energy, thereby costing you more than you're willing to pay.
• Take notice of the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) number when considering a new air conditioning unit. The less efficient the air conditioning system is, the more it will cost you in the end to run. In warmer climates, 14 or better is what you're looking for. In other areas of the country, 13 and higher is the optimum number. Don't forget to check for the energy efficient ratio (EER) number and make sure it has a rating of 11 or higher. Keep in mind, a higher efficiency air conditioning unit may cost more initially. But if you live where temperatures tend to be high, it will pay itself in a few years by lowering the bill on electricity.
• Air conditioning units having a SEER rating less than eight should be replaced. These units will run and cost you more in the long run to cool your home. Remember, the higher the rating, the better it will run. In a few years, you'll notice the difference in your energy bill.
• Make sure to have your air conditioning system checked regularly. Professionals are best for this at the beginning of the season when it begins to heat up. Clean the air conditioning filters and vents every month. Replacing the filter every three months not only helps in lowering energy bills but also ensures you receive clean air when the air conditioning unit is operating.
• Be sure to close unused vents to rooms you don't use often. Checks to make sure vents are not blocked by any furniture, carpeting, etc. Close off any room that's not being used.
• Have a programmable thermostat installed by a professional. This will help you vary the temperature whenever you are home. It's best to set the thermostat to a comfortable setting or around 78 degrees when you're inside. However, if you're planning on leaving for vacation or simply leaving to run errands for a few hours, it will help you to set the air conditioning system around or at 85 degrees. Don't put lights, any appliance or electricity near the air conditioning thermostat.
• Look for the location where your air conditioning condenser is located. The ideal place to have the condenser is in an area where there's shade. Take note on whether there's enough room for the escaping heat from the air conditioning unit to dispose. Trees, fixtures, shrubbery, or anything else should not be nearby.
• When planting trees and shrubbery, keep in mind that having these planted close by will help in reducing the heat from the sun. The west and south sides of the house are ideal locations based on the path of the sun. This effect alone will help you save on your electricity bill by as much as 30%!
• When considering the color for blinds to fit your windows, choose one that is lighter so that it'll reflect the sun's rays back outside. Closing your blinds and curtains during the afternoon will help to cut down on the amount of sunlight shining inside your home. This ray of sunshine will heat up your home faster when left open. Consider having someone put a reflective window tint on the windows receiving the most sunlight to help reduce the amount of heat absorbed. An awning over the windows where the sun shines the most helps cool the house.
• Open your windows early in the morning if possible. This will help let cool air flow inside your home. When the temperature climbs later on the day, close the window to keep the cool air in. Use ceiling fans and portable fans to help circulate the cool air. Using ceiling fans along with your air conditioning system. This way, you can raise the temperature setting by five degrees, thereby reducing costs. Be careful to only use this method when you're occupying the room.
• Make sure your home is well insulated. Seal all cracks leading to the exterior or the house with quality caulking. Be sure to check thoroughly around doors, windows, electrical outlets and switches, and plumbing fixtures for cracks. These cracks allow cool air to escape. Sealing these air leaks will not only help lower your air conditioning costs but will reduce heating costs also. Put weatherstrips around doors and windows that have a draft. If your home has a fireplace, a simple cardboard taped around the opening will help.
• Heat generated inside the home will help in rising temperatures sitting inside. During the summer months, cooking on a grill will help reduce the heat. Using crockpots and microwave ovens to fix meals will keep your appliances from warming up your home. Hang your laundry on a clothesline to avoid using the clothes dryer. Run the dishwasher in the evening when it's cooler. Using the "air dry" setting on your dishwasher to dry dishes. Turn the kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans off when there's no need to keep them on.
• Turn off any light that's not being used. Lights produce unwanted heat and consequently will make your air conditioning unit work harder than needed.
• Schedule taking a shower during the middle of the day to help cool off. This allows your skin to recover moisture lost when you're heated.
• Thirty percent of heat is absorbed through the roof of your home. If you don't have attic vents installed, have it done, as it will keep the attic properly ventilated. Attic vents, ridge vents, and attic fans helps to reduce your cooling costs. Vents allow cooler air to enter.

Running a cooling system is the second biggest energy costs in your home behind your heating system. This is especially true if you live in areas of the country where the air temperature is hot and humid. When temperatures outside exceeds what your body can take, you have no choice but to use your air conditioning unit to help cool down your home. However, this doesn't mean you have to continually run the air conditioning system all day. These 15 tips will not only help in keeping cooler, but it will significantly reduce the bottom line you see on your electricity bill. Remember to utilize these tips whenever the heat becomes unbearable.