SHERMAN, TX-- The hotter it gets outside, usually means the higher those energy bills rise.

But, one local resident has made some slight changes to her home that have made a big difference for her wallet.

Sherman homeowner Cathy Stewart is retired, and doesn't have the financial flexibility to spend more on energy bills, no matter how hot it gets in the dead of summer.

"Your income has been lowered, and so you have to adjust your utilities to fit what comes in," Stewart, said.

A website provided by Stewart's electric company, TXU, gave her a few ideas on how to more efficiently cool her home during the summer.

"Well you just keep the thermostat as high as you can handle it," Stewart, said.

Stewart usually keeps her home at 80 degrees, but uses all of her ceiling fans, to make it seem much cooler.

"The cooling air that they create, as it pushes down around your body, makes you feel about five to seven degrees cooler, and in the summer, every degree counts," Mike Gutierrez, with TXU, said.

She also switched to an energy efficient dishwasher, started using only her microwave to cook, and installed foam insulation around her outlets to keep hot air out.

"Without using those, you're letting a brick-size full of hot air into your home in the summer," according to Gutierrez.

CFL lightbulbs replaced old bulbs in Stewart's home, which will last 7 to 10 years longer, and don't give off heat.

She also tries to keep her lights off, and shuts all blinds, to keep the suns rays out.