SHERMAN, TX-- Opening up that utility bill every month can sometimes give people an uneasy feeling, especially in warmer months when it seems difficult not to crank up the air conditioning.

But, now there's an online resource provided by one energy company, that aims to assist customers in being more energy efficient.

"This is what we call our Christmastime, this is Christmas for the air conditioning guys," Brad Sisemore, said.

Sisemore Services in Sherman gets 15 to 20 calls a day from residents, who need air conditioner repairs.

Those who specialize in keeping homes cool may love the heat, but it's not usually appreciated as much, by those who see a dramatic increase in their energy bills.

"The heating and the cooling of our home, takes up a little more than half of our electricity bill," Michael Gutierrez, with TXU, said.

Customer concerns led TXU to the creation of a new, Summer Solutions website, for anyone curious about trying to keep their bills down, during the hottest time of year.

"We have our energy thieves calculator, which talks about appliances that can still be drawing energy even if they're in the off mode," Gutierrez, explained.

The site, helps TXU customers analyze their monthly bill, and shows them what areas of the home are costing them the most.

But, even non-TXU customers can benefit from the room by room tip guide, and can learn about specific energy saving items, that can save them cash, throughout the year.

"One of the things we encourage our customers to do is switch out their traditional light bulbs, for compact florescent light bulbs. Those will actually last seven to ten years longer. So, the next time you'd have to switch one out, would be 2017," Gutierrez, said.

The website also recommends having an air conditioning unit serviced once a year, to clean it out, and make sure it's functioning at its best.

But, if you're looking to make that appointment now, be sure to give the air conditioning crew some time, because their service calls are based on seniority!

"An older couple, that need air, we'll service them first. The next is businesses, and then the third is those that are cooling, but they just want them serviced," Sisemore, said.

On the Web:

http://www.txu.com/residential/billhelp.htm