If this summer is anything like last, the most important appliance in your home just may be your central air conditioner.

If that's the case, here are some tips from the Trane Home Comfort Institute that will help your central air conditioner operate more efficiently and keep you cool longer.

Have the unit cleaned and checked regularly by a qualified service representative. The best time to have your system checked is in the spring before the cooling season starts. Many dealers offer a service contract that provides routine maintenance and, if required, repairs.

Clean or replace the filter at least once a month. Most residential systems have disposable filters. These should be checked every month and replaced when necessary with the same size filter as originally supplied. Permanent filters should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Trim shrubbery and limbs back. Landscaping that hides an air conditioner or heat pump may look pleasing but reduces efficiency by reducing air circulation. Shrubs could cause damage if leaves or twigs are sucked into the outdoor unit.

Close curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day. This will keep your house cooler and prevent your air conditioner from having to work harder.

Run heat-producing appliances such as a clothes dryer, and do as much cooking as possible in the early morning hours. This is better than at night because, in the evening, the air conditioner is working hard to bring down the temperature from the daytime heat.

If your dryer vent is close to the air conditioning system's outdoor unit, consider other places to vent the dryer. Hot vapor from the dryer can place an extra load on the outdoor unit.

For additional tips on how to get the most out of your central air conditioning system, the Trane Home Comfort Institute recommends you contact your local utility or independent air conditioning dealer.