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Here are a few tips to keep down your utility bills while you lower the temperature in your house this summer. First, use those ceiling fans. A fan stirs up the air around you to create a cooling effect, just like the “wind chill” we hear about during the wintertime. That allows you to use the air conditioner less or raise the thermostat a few degrees when you do.  Also, consider replacing your old fan with an Energy Star model which uses about 50% less electricity.  Another great way to keep temperatures and utility bills low is by blocking or reducing the amount of direct sunlight that enters your home, particularly on the South and West exposures. You can do that from the inside by adding a tinting film to the windows or by closing the blinds or drapes during the daytime.  On the outside you can shade the windows with trees, awnings or solar screens.