Ready or not summer has arrived and has brought along with it higher energy prices

and homeowners scrambling to find inexpensive ways to keep their homes cool.

* Maximize Your Air Conditioning:

Open windows and use a portable fan instead of running the A/C. Use a fan along

with your window air conditioner to spread the cool air though out the house. Don't

put lamps or televisions near your A/C thermostat; the heat from these devices can

cause the air conditioner to run longer. Consider installing a whole house fan that

pulls air through open windows and exhausts it through the roof, which can cool the

home quickly and reducing energy up to a third in comparison to an air conditioner.

*Little Things Add Up:

Replace light bulbs with compact fluorescents, they produce the same amount of

light but use a fifth of the energy and heat. Air-dry dishes instead of using dishwasher

dry cycle. Use microwave oven instead of electric oven. Plug home

electronics into power strips and turn power strips off when not in use. Lower the

thermostat on the water heater, 115 degrees is comfortable for most uses. Take

showers instead of baths to reduce use of hot water. Wash only full loads of dishes

and clothes.

And remember, if your home is on the market, your realtor may suggest the air conditioner

be on during open houses. A cooler home is more inviting in warm weather.