Our air conditioners have been working overtime...

Staying cool in the summer with AC isn't cheap...  

There are a few things you can do that will take some of the heat out of your electric bill:

• Keep the temperature at a constant while you’re home and avoid dropping the thermostat too low. Lowering the temperature costs you money and won't cool the home any faster. 

• Raise the temperature before leaving for work. Moving the temperature up 5 degrees for eight hours a day can save you $3 to $5 a month. 

• If your window unit is a decade old, it needs to be replaced with an energy efficient unit. If your home has central AC, have the thermostat calibrated and the system charged yearly. 

• Change the air conditioning filters regularly; once a month is suitable. Air filters cost between $10 and $25 a piece, but replacing them can save you 5 to 15 percent on your monthly bill.