• Survive a heatwave with a cool blast in all the right places.window air conditioner image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com
  
  When it's blistering hot during the summertime, it's vital to stay cool to avoid heat-induced sicknesses. A house kept cool by a properly maintained air conditioner provides relief and makes life comfortable during a heatwave. Air conditioners do a lot more than simply cool the air; they also draw dirt and particles through a filter and lower the humidity. Although your electric bill can spike in the summer, there are plenty of tips and tricks to keep the cool air in and avoid waste and increased energy costs.
  
  

Use a Programmable Thermostat

• Regulate your home's temperature by keeping the thermostat set to a comfortable 78 degrees. When away from home, set it for 85 degrees. Adjusting your thermostat by just a few degrees can have an impact on your cooling bill.
  
  

Routinely Change Your Filters

• Inspect your filters regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Dusty air filters reduce air flow. Clean filters allow the unit to perform more efficiently and keep the air free from dirt and allergens. Some can be changed monthly, while others are meant to last a few months. Also check any filters that may be in the attic.
  
  

Don't Let Cold Air Escape

• Keep cool air in by maintaining a tight seal inside with weatherstripping on all doors and windows. Caulk holes that may allow cool air to escape or pull hot air inside. Inspect all openings such as fireplace dampers, interior mailbox drops and windows to make sure they all are closed and tightly sealed.
  
  

Maintain Your Unit

• Proper maintenance of the air-conditioning unit will allow it to perform more efficiently. Have regularly scheduled maintenance or repair visits to check for proper refrigerant levels and fix any leaks, repair any components or replace or calibrate the thermostat.
  
  

Keep the Sun Out

• Keep sun out of the interior which can spike the temperature in the room and place additional strain on the air conditioner. Use drapes, window blinds or shades and lower them during the peak hours or if the windows face east or west. Place louvers or awnings over the exterior windows to shade the window from the sun.
  
  

Use a Fan

• Supplement your air conditioning by using a ceiling fan or portable fan when you are in the room. A ceiling fan can help circulate the cool air in the room, and a portable fan can make you feel a few degrees cooler when aimed directly at you. When the room feels cooler, you can set your thermostat a little higher.