How to save on your A/C this summer

While it's undoubtedly refreshing to step into an air-conditioned house after being outside on a hot, muggy day, the price you might pay to keep your home cool as a cucumber might make your blood boil.

But help is on the way just as the mercury starts to soar. An ABC News affiliate in Philadelphia interviewed an expert from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers to crib their tips for keeping your cool without spiking your budget.

Some of the tips are surprisingly simple, while others require a bit of effort or a small investment. Try one or try them all. (If you're already doing any of these things, tell us in the comments if you've seen a drop in your utility bill!)

When it comes to air-conditioning, here's a Consumer Reports article that offers all sorts of advice on what to look for whether you're rigging up your house with central air or plan to buy window a/c units. Many of the newer air-conditioning units available for sale today use energy much more efficiently than their older counterparts, so take a look even if you don't think you're in the market for a new one.