Maintain your central air conditioner by cleaning the outside compressor with a garden hose. (Be sure to shut off power at the fuse or breaker first). Keep plants at least one foot away from unit for adequate airflow.

Reflective window film can help reduce heat gain during the summer, and it will keep furniture and carpets from fading.

Set the water heater temperature at 120-degrees, about halfway between low and medium. This will help save energy and prevent scalding while keeping unhealthy bacteria from growing.

Plant during the spring or fall when the watering requirements are lower.

Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce runoff and allow for better absorption every time you water.

Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. Longer grass shades root systems and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn.

Replace an incandescent outdoor light or high-intensity floodlight with a high-pressure sodium fixture. The bulbs will last longer, use less energy, and handle temperature extremes better.

Install a low-flow showerhead. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save your family more than 500-gallons a week.

Don't buy recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.

Use a hose nozzle and turn off the water while you wash your car and save more than 100-gallons.

Unplug any electrical device that's not being used. Many appliances, especially computers, televisions and VCRs draw power even when turned off.

Place humidifiers and dehumidifiers away from walls and bulky furniture. These appliances work best when air circulates freely around them.

Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.

Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.

Install a programmable thermostat. If you use it to set back the temperature by 10-degrees for eight hours every night, you'll lower your heating bills by 10-percent. A $50 digital thermostat can pay for itself in energy savings in less than a year.

Plug the bathtub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.

Use ceiling fans to help circulate air throughout the house, and make sure your attic is properly ventilated. A ceiling fan should run clockwise during the summer, and counter-clockwise during the winter.