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Step 1
Turn off the air conditioner and turn on the ceiling fans. Try getting by with just the fans and open the windows to catch cross breezes, especially at night.
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Step 2
Keep the cold air inside. Seal around doors and windows with caulking and weather-stripping and make sure windows and doors are closed so cool air does not escape.
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Step 3
Change your filter every month while the air conditioner is in use or buy reusable filters that can be cleaned. Dirty filters cut down on airflow and make your air conditioner work harder.
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Step 4
Set your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Every degree higher you turn up the thermostat reduces your electricity bills.
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Step 5
Let a programmable thermostat do all the work of turning the air conditioner up when you home and down when you are out or sleeping.
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Step 6
Tune up your air conditioner every year. A professional can clean, check for leaks and mare sure your air conditioner is in tip-top shape. That might lower summer air conditioning cost by 10-20%.
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Step 7
Check the outside condenser unit, too. Make sure there is good airflow and coils are clean.
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Step 8
Block out the sun with drapes or other window coverings. Unshaded windows allow heat gain and that eats more electricity as your air conditioner struggles to keep the house cool.
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Step 9
Replace old, failing air conditioners with new high efficiency models. Look for the ENERGY STAR label and a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ration (SEER) of 13 or higher.
