As the temperature rises, so too does the cost of cooling your home.

Last week Florida Power & Light revealed plans to seek a 16 percent hike in electric rates in August. That makes it even more important to conserve energy. The following suggestions, put together by the U.S. Department of Energy and Alliance to Save Energy, can both help residents stay cool and save on electric bills.

• Clean or replace air conditioning filters monthly, or as needed. A well-maintained cooling system will run more efficiently, use less energy and lower energy bills. Also, keep outdoor and indoor air conditioner coils clean.

• Use shades on east and west windows to reduce the cooling load. Close curtains during the day, and install awnings on south-facing windows. Plant shade trees or vines outside windows to help block or disperse the sun's energy.

• Keep your house closed tight in the daytime to keep unwanted heat and humidity out. If possible, ventilate at night, either naturally, or with fans.

• Avoid running a dehumidifier at the same time as the AC. The dehumidifier will increase the cooling load and force the air conditioner to work harder.

• Turn off your computer and monitor when it is not in use; activate the ''sleep'' feature so the machine powers down when on but not in use for a while. When leaving a room, turn off the lights and all other energy-using equipment.

• Perform energy-demanding tasks, such as laundry and dish washing, during off-peak energy demand hours. Do full loads when running washers, dryers and dishwashers.

• Switch to cold water washing of laundry in top-loading, energy-inefficient washing machines. Detergents formulated for cold water get clothes just as clean. Clean the lint filter in your dryer after every load.

• Move lamps or television away from the air conditioner thermostat. The heat they generate will cause an air conditioner to run longer than necessary.

--U.S. Department of Energy

Alliance to Save Energy

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