Springtime brings warmer weather but it brings humidity and pollen, too.  Here are some tips that will help you stay cooler and have healthier air.

1. Opening windows at night to let in the cooler air can be helpful in cooling down the house.  However, if the humidity is high, your air conditioner will have to work much harder the next day to cool down the house.  So when the humidity is high, keep the windows closed.  If you do open them, don't forget to close them in the early morning so you don't let in the heat.

2. Adjust the temperature only 1-2 degrees at a time.  Setting the thermostat to 60 degrees doesn't increase the amount of cooling you get.  It just means the air conditioner won't turn off until it gets down to 60 degrees.

3. Don't "jiggle" the thermostat.  Changing the setting more than once every 5 minutes can destroy your compressor.

4. During a thunderstorm, turn the system OFF.  A lightning strike that is some distance from your home can cause a spike in electricity that can damage your compressor, shortening its life.

5. Consider purchasing a digital programmable thermostat and setting the temperature back when everyone is at work or school or when everyone is sleeping.  This can save on operating costs according to Energystar.gov.