We find ourselves in the same situation every year. Winter is long gone. Summer is knocking at the door. Already it feels like it can hardly get any hotter. That means just one thing - y'all ga sweat!

But this year can be different for you. In our article today we discuss green solutions for letting you save money with your current air-conditioner. In part two, we'll discuss saving money with new solar air conditioners. That way, you can stop sweating because of the heat and stop sweating because of the electric bill.

One of the most elegant solutions is to add a retrofit, like a Smartcool, to your current unit. Smartcool retrofits already save an average 15 to 25 percent on air-conditioning energy costs in Bahamian homes and businesses.

How does a retrofit do this? The principle is simple; as an air-condition cycles, sometimes it asks for more power than it needs to get the job done. Since your air conditioner does not recognize this, the retrofit technology automatically steps in and lets your unit run at its most efficient. This saves you money while maintaining the cool temperature you want!

In addition to retrofitting your air conditioner, Bahamians can take other steps to lower costs. When you turn off the air condition 15 to 30 minutes before you are ready to leave your home or business, the room will stay cool and you will save money. Over the course of a month, that can save you 15 hours of power!

Additionally, checking your walls and windows for leaks will ensure your air-conditioner is not fighting the full force of the Bahamian summer. Leaks can be stopped with a good sealant or IndowWindow. Finally, in the room that you are cooling, be diligent to keep windows and doors shut whenever they are not being used. Small steps like these can save a tremendous amount on the electric bill.

We find ourselves in the same situation every year. Without air-conditioning, you'll sweat this summer. With it, you may still sweat over the bill you'll have to pay. This year, why not do something different? Small steps like retrofitting your current air-conditioner can save you money while keeping you from sweating. These affordable solutions make The Bahamas greener and put green in your pocket.

o Joshua Key is the operations manager for SuperGreen Solutions Bahamas, located on Wulf Road next to FYP. SuperGreen Solutions leads the market as one of the premier advisors, suppliers and installers of domestic and commercial energy efficient solutions, making it truly a one-stop energy-efficient solution shop.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian