The savings percentages apply only to the category of energy use, as using fluorescent lamps saves 30 to 38 percent of lighting bill, not total electric bill. The figures cannot be added to find total saving. Do not let the air conditioner bake in the sun. Room air conditioners work best when kept out of direct sunlight. Install them near shade trees or on the north side of the house if possible. Seal gaps along the sides of air conditioner to keep the outside air from seeping in. Clean air conditioner filters regularly, keep the front and back of air conditioners unobstructed. In warmer weather, delay heat-producing tasks, such as dishwashing, baking or doing laundry, until the cooler evening hours. Use an exhaust fan to blow hot air out of your kitchen while cooking. The savings in your cooling costs far outweigh the electricity use of the fan.

How to reduce the use of air conditioners

Instead of an air conditioner, open windows on opposite sides of the house for cross-ventilation. Use fans in windows to draw in cooler night air. Close the windows during the day to keep the cooler air in. Close window blinds, curtains, shades, or drapes in the daytime summer hours. Sunlight shining in windows usually adds the largest amount of unwanted summertime heat. Plant shade trees to block heat from windows and roof.

Heating and Insulating Home

Seal any leaks in heating or cooling system ducts. Cut heating costs up to 25% simply by installing proper ceiling insulation. Insulate walls, floors and heating ducts, too. This insulation will not only keep heat from escaping, but will also make home more comfortable. By caulking and weather-stripping, cuts heating bills up to 10%. Weather-strip doors and windows, and caulk air leaks around windows, doorframes, pipes and ducts. Seal off electric receptacles and switch boxes with foam gaskets or fiberglass insulation. Install storm or thermal windows. These tightly fitting windows give the benefit of double-pane glass. Air trapped between the two panes acts as a thermal insulator, keeping heated air inside where it belongs. Be sure to get windows that have the new super-efficient low-emissive glazing.