Summer's hot temperatures are here so here are ways to keep your home cooler and save money on summer energy bills.

The most important factor in cooling your home is not to let it heat up in the first place. Good insulation, caulking and weather stripping help keep the heat outside during the summer, so do shade trees, overhangs, awnings and shades. Limiting the use of household appliances that emit heat also helps.

Keep windows closed during the heat of the day.
Draw blinds and draperies during the day to keep the heat out.
Set the thermostat at 78 degrees or higher in the summer. You will save about 5 to 10 percent on the operating cost of your air conditioner for every two degrees of cooling you're willing to give up.
Give appliances a break during hot summer afternoons and evenings. Many appliances create added heat and moisture making your air conditioner work harder. Limit the use of ranges and stoves, dishwashers, dryers, washing machines, and other heat-producing equipment during midday. Use them in the early mornings or late evenings when the temperature is cooler.
Avoid keeping unnecessary lights turned on.
Prepare cool meals such as salads and sandwiches. If you must cook a hot meal, wait until later in the evening when it's cooler.
Adjust ceiling fans to turn counter-clockwise in the summer, usually this means that the switch on the fan should be in the "down" position.
Change your air filter regularly. An air conditioning unit with dirty filters can use 5 to 10 percent more energy than necessary.
If you have a refrigerator or freezer in the garage that is not full, consider getting rid of it.

These appliances tend to be older and therefore less energy efficient causing them to run continuously in very hot environments.

Set timers on pool and spa pumps to run before 1:00 p.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
SMUD's Shade Tree program offers free shade trees for customers whose homes have an eastern, western or southern exposure that heats up during the summer.

VACATION TIPS

Set your air conditioner thermostat at 85 degrees or higher.
Put lights on a timer to save energy and give the house a "lived in" look.
Draw the drapes on windows facing the south and west.
Shift the water heater to the lowest setting.
Check to make sure no faucets are dripping.

For additional ways SMUD can help you save energy and money, logon to smud.org.