In Winter, set your thermostat to 68° F to conserve on energy consumption, whereas in Summer the thermostat should be set to 78° F.

Do not set the thermostat lower than the desired temperature. The unit will not cool your dwelling area faster.

Dirty and/or dusty filters restrict air flow. Examine air filters once a month and clean or replace filters when necessary, using the manufacturer’s recommendation. Keeping your filters clean can cut energy consumption by 5% to 15%.

If you have a window unit, spaces in the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame allow cool air to escape from your home. Moisture can also damage this seal so inspect it annually to see that it makes contact with the unit's metal case.

If you have your unit on a timer, when leaving home, you can set the timer so that the unit turns on a half hour before you return. This should be enough time to cool the room. Before purchasing a timer, you must make sure that it can handle the electrical load; otherwise, the timer could be a fire hazard. For central air conditioners, a programmable thermostat will control the unit.

Make sure furniture does not obstruct air conditioning vents and registers.

Close off unused rooms and close vents in those rooms.

Close all unnecessary openings such as fireplace dampers, doors and windows.

Do not position heat-producing appliances, such as televisions or lamps, near the thermostat. The heat they produce "fools" the thermostat and causes the unit to run longer than necessary. Also, exposing the thermostat to direct sunlight can produce the same effect.

Keep out sun with louvers or awnings on the outside of your windows, or draw draperies, blinds, or shades indoors. Keep storm windows closed.

Where possible, limit heat and humidity producing tasks like cooking and laundry tasks to early morning or late evening.