Your air conditioning unit should always be clear of vegetation and debris to allow for proper air flow.

When temperatures soar above 90 degrees, the cost of cooling a home can soar too. Keep cooling costs in check by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Service air conditioner units annually. Keep motors lubricated, condensation lines clear and condenser coils clean to save money and increase the life of the air unit.

Step 2: Clear away debris and vegetation from around the air conditioner to allow for proper air flow.

Step 3: Use landscaping to create shade for the home and the air conditioner. A single tree can shade a home enough to reduce the inside temperature by 8 to 10 degrees during the summer.

Step 4: Change the furnace/air-conditioning filter at least once every 90 days. Use a good quality pleated furnace filter for optimal energy efficiency.

Step 5: Use fans to maximize air circulation. Make sure ceiling fans are rotating counter clockwise during the summer months.

Step 6: Turn off the air conditioner and open the windows whenever temperatures drop below 80.

Step 7: Seal up cracks and crevices around windows and doors. Add additional insulation in the attic if warranted.

Step 8: Seal duct work joints with mastic sealant to reduce air loss.

Step 9: Keep window shades closed during the day or install reflective window film on east and west facing windows.

Step 10: Replace older window screen with energy efficient solar screen to block up to 70 percent of the heat generated from sunlight.

Step 11: Grill outdoors and use small appliances to eliminate oven and stove usage.

Step 12: Hang clothes out to dry instead of using a gas or electric clothes dryer.

Step 13: Hand wash dishes or run the dishwasher at night, with full loads. Skip the heat dry cycle on the dishwasher completely.

Step 14: Install a programmable thermostat. Set it to 78 when people are home and 88 when the house is empty.

Step 15: Replace incandescent bulbs with cooler compact fluorescent bulbs or LED bulbs.

Step 16: Turn off computers, televisions and other heat-producing appliances when they are not in use.

Step 17: Paint the house a lighter color to reflect heat better.

— Have a home improvement question for Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at hardware@sunflower.com.