How are you keeping cool this summer? Temperatures are running high here in Louisiana and in most of the country. It’s natural to seek cool shelter indoors, but keeping your home cooler during the summer months can wreak havoc on your electricity bill.

The elderly, small children and pets need cooler temperatures to be comfortable. It is noted that at least ½ of your electricity bill is for cooling during the hot months. How can you keep everyone comfortable and keep your budget comfortable at the same time?

Here are some tips that work in my home:

• Raise your thermostat at least 2-3 degrees if no one will be home during the day. Lowering the thermostat to 70-72 degrees cost more money and does not cool your home any faster; in fact, it takes the a/c longer to catch up.
• Place an oscillating fan in the main living area of you home. Compared to a/c units and window units, fans are less expensive to operate. Keep the thermostat at a constant level and let the fans do the work.
• Change a/c filters regularly; at least once a month.
• Have the inside a/c coils cleaned regularly. Build-up on the coils causes reduced cooling and stress on the a/c fan. I usually have my coils checked and cleaned in the early spring.
• Check out http://www.entergy.com/save_money for additional energy money saving tips.
• For larger savings, check with your financial advisor about cost saving energy home improvements for “go green” tax savings. www.IRS.gov
• Last, but not least, my favorite cooling feature is to go out and get a snowball with the kids.

Have a great summer and stay cool!