With energy costs and Ohio temperatures on the rise, this summer has turned out to be expensive for many folks who are struggling to cool their homes. Fortunately, there are some easy things you can do today to keep your home cool without breaking the bank.

–  Set your programmable thermostat as high as is comfortable in the summer. Then raise the setpoint a few degrees when you are away from home. Program it to lower the temperature just before you come home.

–  Use ceiling fans to create a cool breeze. If you raise your thermostat by just two or three degrees, using a ceiling fan to circulate air will lower your bill by up to 14 percent, according to Mother Earth News.

–  Clean or replace air conditioner filters monthly to keep your system working optimally.

–  Pull the curtains and shades closed during the day to prevent the sun from overheating your house.

–  Remember that light generates heat. Turn off lights where they are not needed.

–  Use a microwave to cook on those really hot days instead of heating up your home with the oven.

There are many other steps you can take that will have a long term impact on both your cooling and heating bills. For example, insulating in attics, around doors and windows, in crawl spaces and other areas where air can leak may save you a good bit in the long run. Upgrading your unit to a more energy efficient model and maintaining the one you own will also go a long way toward saving you green.