Top 5 air conditioning tips, from Angie's List

Keep your home cool without breaking your budget--or your air conditioner!

1. To keep air conditioning costs down this summer, don’t place lamps, TV sets, or other heat producing appliances near your thermostat. The thermostat senses the heat causing the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
    
2. Each degree you go below 78 increases your energy consumption by about 8 percent.
    
3. Clean and replace the air conditioner filter frequently. This is especially important during the summer when dust and allergens circulate. If the filter becomes clogged, your system will have to work harder to supply the same amount of cool air. If your air conditioner needs repair, use Angie's List consumer reviews to find a top rated HVAC specialist in your area.
    
4. Air conditioners with proper shading can be more efficient. Air in a shaded space is cooler than the surrounding air meaning the AC will have an easier time cooling the air, but keep plants, shrubs, and other landscaping about two to four feet away from your outdoor unit to ensure adequate airflow.
    
5. When buying new air conditioners, refrigerators or windows, consider energy-efficient versions. They’re usually more expensive but thanks to federal tax credits and competitive prices, the prices are falling, and because they use less energy, you save in the long-run, too.