Of course you can crank up your AC to get that arctic blast that will blast a hole in your pocket book just to keep your home cool and comfortable during the heat of summer. Most of us however are not looking for more ways to spend money. Here’s a short list and a few resources to help you keep cool, save energy AND take it easy on your wallet.

Programmable Thermostat. Makes sense, right? Especially if no one’s home during the day. With one of these you don’t have to remember every morning before you leave for work to turn the temperature up in an attempt to save a little on your cooling bill, and you won’t return to your Crown Point , Hobart , or St. John home after a long day at the office to find the house uncomfortably hot. Saves money too!

Check your ductwork! As much as 20% of the air that moves through your home’s duct system can be lost due to leaks, holes, and loose connections. Here are some benefits of sealing duct work, how to tell if yours needs attention, and why you use metal tape and not duct tape on your system.

Insulation . Okay, this one is a little more costly up front. Just keep in mind that it’s a one-time expense that will reap years of cost savings during both the cold of winter and the heat of summer. Insulation isn’t just a warm blanket in January anymore! More on this one in a future blog .

Here’s another great list of things you can do inside and outside your home to help ease the summer energy crunch in comfort.