Efficient ideas to keep your home cool and your utility bill low.

A full two-thirds of the United States is expected to experience above-average summer temperatures this year, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac. With some areas of the country already well into seemingly endless runs of 100-degree weather this summer, it is important for homeowners to take steps to maintain their air conditioning systems now to avoid problems later in the summer.

For most homes, heating and cooling consumes more energy dollars than any other system. Unfortunately, regardless of costs, air conditioning systems often serve as the best refuge from the high summer heat and humidity.

All homeowners can take steps to ensure a longer life for their heating and cooling equipment, says Gary Stiles, who teaches HVAC training.

"Basic air conditioning maintenance will provide better comfort, and a well-maintained unit runs more efficiently, lasts longer, and suffers from fewer breakdowns," says Stiles. "While there are no guarantees, consumers can greatly increase their chances of enjoying a cooler summer by following a few simple steps:

First, be sure to clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month or as needed. If you're not sure where to start, filters are often located in the return air duct of the air conditioner itself, directly in the furnace or in filter grilles located in ceilings and/or walls. Check the specifications of your model and buy a replacement, which can be found at most retail stores.

When it's hot outside, keep your window coverings closed during the day to keep solar heat from entering your home and making your air conditioner work harder.

Give your air vents room to breathe by keeping them clean and removing furniture, carpeting or drapes that could block air flow.

In addition to keeping things clean inside; your outdoor unit should also be cleaned twice a year with a water hose. Turn the unit off at the breaker and start washing at the top and work your way down.

Set your thermostat as high as is comfortable in the summer.

Turn off kitchen, bath and other exhaust fans withing 20 minutes after you are finished cooking or bathing.

If you know where your unit's drain is, confirm it is open by running water. Even better, pour bleach directly into the line to kill any algae in it. If you have an air compressor, you can also blow air into the hose from the outlet end to determine if the drain line is open."

These tips are just a small part of ways you can keep your utility bill low. Visit Save on Everything to find great deals and coupons on contractors and services to help keep your home cool and reduce your costs.

Save big on back-to-school sales.

The back-to-school season can become a very expensive time of year - especially if you have a child that grew several inches over the summer months.

Add to new clothes all the school supplies and sporting equipment she'll need if she decides to try out for a school team and you've got yourself a full list.

But there are ways to meet your budget, and make sure you get everything on your kids' back to school lists. Here are some tips to cut costs and keep money in your pocket:

Only purchase what you need. Look over last year's equipment and have your child reuse pencils, pens, rulers or glue for the classroom. Sure, folders and notebooks take a beating so you probably will have to purchase some new school supplies. The same holds true for clothing. Find just a couple of mix and match outfits that will stand up to frequent wear and multiple washings to help reduce what you spend on clothing.

Shop the sales. Many states offer clothing tax-free holidays during the back to school season, providing a nice discount. And most department stores also hold promotions and discounts on school supplies and clothing, so keep an eye out for store brochures that will allow you to comparison shop for the lowest prices.

Save big online. Instead of driving all around town trying to find the best deals, stay home and find the best deals on services before leaving the house through websites like SaveOnEverything.com For example, if you visit Great Clips to give the kids a nice haircut before the school year begins, you can take advantage of discounts and coupons through the Save on Everything site.

Buy in bulk. Items are cheaper is you buy in bulk, so make a list of all the supplies your children will need for the entire school year and purchase them now, during the back-to-school sales. If you don't need such a large supply, ask a friend or relative to join you in the expense so all of your children can benefit from bulk shopping.

The back-to-school season is so exciting and you can easily get caught up in the flurry of activities while trying to get your children organized. But make sure you're an economical parent and stick to your budget so you can save money for some other fun activities.

Set the scene for easy outdoor entertaining.

It's a beautiful day outside today. It won't be hard to get people to come to an outdoor gathering on a warm summer day, and it should be just as easy to pull together a memorable affair. To make the most of your time and budget, look for low-maintenance solutions that you can use throughout the season.

Get your backyard ready for summer gatherings with these easy tips:


Decking - Having a great space where guests can gather is the first, and perhaps most essential task. A deck gives guests a place to relax and linger comfortably throughout your party. If you're concerned about the time you'll have to put into keeping your deck looking great, toss out your old ideas of decks requiring careful maintenance and attention year-round. Save On Everything provides many discounts to local companies that can build and maintain your deck for you.

Plants - As much as you want your deck and gathering space to look good, you want guests to be impressed by the natural surroundings of your yard as well. Research perennial plants that thrive not just in your horticultural zone, but in the micro-climate of your home (you particular soil type, sun exposure, etc.) Choose hardy plants that don't require too much pruning or attention, but which provide a beautiful and varied backdrop. If you don't have a green thumb, talk to the experts at your local garden center to get tips on plant selection and care.

Decor - From serving ware to seating, you can assemble all the elements of entertaining without too much stress. If you want to freshen up the look of your deck, invest in weather-resistant outdoor furniture from many local retailersthat can stand up to the elements and will look good in years to come. If new furniture isn't in your budget, look for new cushions and covers that will resists spills and tears. Instead of buying disposable serving ware, look for shatter-proof plates and glasses that are dishwasher safe. You'll be doing the environment a favor and you'll always have it on hand - no more last minute runs to the store when you run out of platic cups.

Food - Don't stress yourself out with a multi-course menu. You can find many restaurants on Save On Everything that offer many takeout specials and catering services. If you're in the mood to prepare something yourself, then let seasonal ingredients be the stars. Serve sliced or grilled fresh fruit for a sweet dessert and rely on tried-and-true party favorites, but with a different spin.

From the food you eat & the dishes you serve to the way you decorate. The less work you have to do, the more you'll be able to enjoy the time with your guests. Save on Everything is here to provide you the best deals on everything you'll need for fun and inexpensive entertaining.