As summer comes your way, you know that keeping your house cool will also become a concern. This year, however, you can take some steps before it gets here to save money on your air conditioning bill.

Follow these five steps to keep you're A/C bills lower this year:

1. Make sure your air conditioner filters are clean and that the unit is functioning properly. This enables it to not have to work so hard to keep your home cool.

2. Plant shade trees near the house to help keep direct sunlight off the house.

3. Turn your thermostat up a couple of degrees and put in ceiling fans to circulate the air better. Only turn them on when you are in the room.

4. Keep heavy curtains closed on the side the sun shines in until the sun no longer enters the room directly. You will save money this way because you won't be trying to heat and cool the room at the same time. It will give you greater energy savings throughout the summer.

5. Insulate your attic if there isn't any, or if it does not have a high enough rating. This keeps the heat above and the cooler air down below - where you need it. Without the insulation acting as a barrier, you are trying to cool more than is necessary.