Don’t touch that dial! Don’t set the thermostat below 78. Since the air conditioner always cools at the same rate, adjusting the temperature to 70 degrees will not help your house get to 78 faster.

Find your system’s air filter. Make sure there is one, and make sure it’s clean. Some filters are cleanable; others require replacement. Clogged filters increase cooling costs, and your system may eventually suffer a compressor failure with a $1,000+ repair bill!

Keep the curtains closed. Close shades, drapes and blinds during the day to block and reflect the sun’s heat. Open them back up at night to allow heat to escape. You’ll be surprised at what a difference this makes.

Turn on a fan. Fans don’t cool a room, but they do cool your skin. Using the fans at night may allow you to set the air conditioner above 78 degrees saving a great deal of energy.

Turn off the lights. Lights add a lot of heat to the room. 99% of a light’s energy use is converted to heat, 1% to light. Use only as much light as you need.

Plant shade trees. Outside shade can reduce air conditioning costs by 30%.

Seal air leaks around doors and windows. Use caulk and weatherstripping to keep hot air out and cool air in.