For as long as we have had air conditioners there has been a debate whether you save more money turning off your air conditioning when you are not at home or keeping it a set temperature.

Experts say the following:

First, check to make sure that your A/C is in good working order before you actually need to use it.

It is more energy efficient to increase the temperature by a few degrees when you are away from home.  On especially hot days, it may turn on a few times to maintain the set temperature, but it is actually cheaper to leave it at a set temperature all day and turn it down when you get home.  Besides it is nice to walk into your apartment from the hot outside to a comfortable apartment.

Another tip experts say helps keep your home cool and energy costs down is to shut your blinds and invest in dark curtains.

These tips will keep your apartment cool and your costs down.