Set the Right Temperature

• The temperature setting you choose plays a major role in how much energy you save each month. The generally recommended temperature is 78° F to 80° F for summer and 68° F to 70° F for winter months. For each degree your thermostat is set below 78°F, your electricity use increases by about 3%. In the winter, the recommended setting is 68°F. For each degree above 68°F that you set your thermostat, your electricity use increases by about 3%. 
• Adjusting the temperature one degree per week can help you gradually add or subtract a few degrees comfortably and can really lower your electric bill.
• If you’re gone during the day, raise the air conditioner thermostat by 5 degrees before leaving. This saves energy during times when you don’t need it.
• If your home will be vacant for several days, turn the air off. The electricity savings will be noticeable on your next bill.
• Turning your heat down to 55° F when no one's home will save electricity and money while protecting your pipes from freezing in colder months.
• When you return to a warm house in the summer, set the thermostat to the temperature at which you want the room to be cooled. The room won’t cool off any faster if you set the thermostat at a lower temperature--air conditioners are either on or off. Setting the thermostat lower than you need can waste energy by overshooting the desired temperature. The same principle applies to heating in winter.

Program That Thermostat

• Install a programmable thermostat for increased energy efficiency—that way, your A/C won’t run when your house is empty, and you can still enjoy cool air when you get home.
• If you have a programmable thermostat, use it. Save energy by turning off the heating or A/C when you’re not home. 

Close Those Vents

If there are rooms you don’t use in your home, close the air vents and shut the door so you don’t waste energy cooling or heating those rooms. Closing off a 100-square-foot room in a 1,800-square-foot home could save about 4% on heating and cooling costs.

Replace the Filter

Check your filter often and make sure it's clean. You’re A/C has to work much harder when the filter's dirty. During peak use, you'll want to replace your filter every month. If you find you use your unit less often in spring or fall, you can go 2-3 months without replacing the filter -- but don't forget to check it when the weather gets hotter or colder! Putting a reminder on your calendar is a good idea.

Insulate the Pipes

Be sure that your A/C unit's refrigerant pipes are properly insulated. Otherwise, a lot of cooling capacity is being wasted outdoors and you’re A/C has to work harder and longer to compensate.

Use a Fan

Installing a ceiling fan can save electricity by making the room feel around 10°F cooler while using far less energy than your air conditioner.