If you think you might be at cross purposes by wanting to stay cool and cut your cooling costs, think again. All you have to know are some A/C operating tips to help you cut costs while you ramp up comfort.

The surest way to keep your A/C bills in check is to use your A/C less often and, when you do, to set it at a higher temperature. How can you do that? Install a programmable thermostat for starters. Setting the thermostat around the comings and goings of your family members requires some planning, which is exactly where the thermostat can save you money. It prevents the A/C from running for hours at a time when no one is around to enjoy the cool air it provides.

Whether or not you have a programmable thermostat, summer is the perfect time to acclimate your family to a slightly higher temperature than they might be used to. Make a small adjustment every few days; moving the dial from 74 to 75 degrees can save you between 2 and 4 percent on your energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Moving it up to 76 degrees can double the savings.

Consider these other A/C operating tips to cut your energy bill:

• Seal air leaks around windows and doors.
• Close window treatments during the day to keep the sun -- and heat -- out, or install outdoor awnings.
• Run ceiling fans -- but only when people are in the room -- to create a wind-chill effect.
• Flip on the A/C's “fan-only” mode overnight.
• Turn off overhead lights and others that generate too much heat, or don't use lights at all during the day.
• Refrain from turning on the oven and stove, especially during the day.
• Keep floor vents free from obstructions such as furniture, drapes and toys.
• Shut closet doors to avoid spending money on cooling unused spaces.
• Keep “hot” appliances, such as televisions and lamps, away from the thermostat, which will read a higher home temperature and trigger the A/C to run.
• Plant trees or shrubs outdoors, especially on the south and west sides of your home.

For expert advice and more A/C operating tips that work for your Greater Cincinnati Area home, contact JonLe Heating & Cooling.