Just when you can start to turn off that oven, it seems like it gets hot enough that your air conditioner costs you money. In the Midwest, unusually warm weather has already caused people to use their air conditioning. And in many areas, electricity rates are going up. Can you save money on air conditioning?

You can. You just have to be smart about it. While there are frugal people who believe that air conditioning is purely a luxury that is not necessary, I do not agree. In many parts of the country, air conditioning is not only necessary, it is vital. Young children and the elderly have a hard time cooling off when they are too hot. Heat can be as deadly as cold and can often kill much faster.

So if air conditioning is a must for you, go ahead and turn it on. There are other places where you can skimp. There are also some steps you can take to lower your bill.

First, when shopping for a window air conditioner, consider the size of the room you are going to place it in. You don’t have to buy the biggest air conditioner they sell, if the room isn’t that big. Having a unit that is too small or too large makes the unit work harder than necessary and will cost you more in the long run. Look for units that are energy efficient (a rating of 11 or higher) and of good brands; they will last longer.

If you need to replace your central air conditioning unit, be sure to look for a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) of 13 or better. A less efficient system will cost you more to run. High-efficiency appliances cost you more, but in the long run, it’s worth reducing your electricity bills.

Take care of your unit. Have you ever tried to breathe through a straw for an extended period of time? You know how much that costs. That’s what an air conditioner goes through when its filter is clogged. Replace or clean the filter monthly during the summer and have your central air conditioner checked at the end of each winter. If you have a window unit, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for winterizing the unit. You may need to cover or remove it during cold months.

Your air conditioner is one of the biggest energy monsters in your home. If you have an old air conditioner, it may be worth replacing it with a newer, more efficient system. The cost should be reimbursed in a few years if you are replacing a unit older than 10 years.

Take the time to install a programmable thermostat so that you can set the temperature to adjust itself. Keep the thermostat at 78 degrees when you are home and at 85 degrees when you are away for several hours.

Think about the location of your air conditioner. You won’t have to work as hard if you’re located in a shady spot with plenty of room to vent the heat. Do not plant shrubs or fence too closely, it could hamper their performance.

Did you know that a little gardening can save you up to 30% on your cooling costs? Plant shady trees and shrubs around your home, especially on the west and south sides. This will help reduce the direct sun heating your home. You can also close the curtains on the sunny side of the house to block out the sun.

If you have large windows on the sunnier side of your home, consider installing awnings for shade. You can also paint your house in a lighter color that reflects the sun’s heat, rather than absorbing it.

Leaks can absorb heat and cold from your home. Seal the places where utilities enter your home. Stop possible drafts under doors and around weathered windows. Fill in the gaps around your fireplace. Consider replacing your windows with new, energy-efficient windows.

Make sure your attic is properly ventilated. Thirty percent of the heat in your home is absorbed through the roof. An attic fan can lower your cooling costs and get the air in your home moving.

Ceiling fans may not be a designer’s dream, but they can make your home cooler. Using a ceiling fan can allow you to set your thermostat 5 degrees higher, reducing your cooling costs. Running the fan does not lower the temperature, the moving air reduces your perception of what the temperature really is.

You can also save on your air conditioning by turning things off. The lights generate heat, so turn them off when not in use. Your computer generates heat, so don’t leave it on. Use a slow cooker or microwave to cook dinner so you don’t heat the kitchen with the stove and oven.

There are many ways to stay cool during the summer. If you’re staying home all day, consider taking a day trip to the mall or library to reduce the need for refrigeration. Do all household chores early in the morning or late at night in cooler weather. Drink lots of water and stay hydrated. And stay cool.