Nearly half of the average home’s electricity use goes to cooling and heating the home. If you’d like to reduce your cooling costs, PPL Electric recommends trying these tips:

1. Before you turn on the air conditioner, reduce your need for cooling. Use fans and natural ventilation first.

2. A breeze on a nonhumid summer day can keep you cool if you’re able to open the windows. Instead of turning on the air conditioner, open doors and windows on opposite sides of the house for cross-ventilation.

3. Clean your filters monthly. Dirty or clogged filters block airflow and reduce efficiency.

4. Fans use less energy than air conditioning. Use a ceiling fan if you have one because they are more effective than other fans.

5. As long as indoor humidity is not very high, running a ceiling fan allows you to set the thermostat four degrees higher without a noticeable change in comfort.

6. If you are thinking about a new air conditioner, look for Energy Star models. They are the most efficient on the market and will save energy.

7. Your house will not cool any faster if you lower the thermostat setting. Lowering the thermostat just makes the air conditioner run longer and use more energy.

8. Do not add heat or humidity to your home, particularly during the hottest parts of the day. For example, turn on the dishwasher at night or when you leave the house.

9. Each degree you raise the thermostat on your air conditioner saves 2 percent on your electric bill. Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, if possible, for maximum savings.

10. Close drapes and shades on windows during the day to keep heat from the sun out of your house. In the evening, open drapes and shades to let heat escape through the windows.

11. Use a dehumidifier instead of turning on the air conditioner. You will be comfortable at higher temperatures if you reduce the humidity in your house.

12. Use an attic fan to get rid of heat buildup. Heat from the attic eventually finds its way into your home.

13. Room air conditioners work best when they are not exposed to the sun. Install your air conditioner on the north side of the house or take advantage of shade from trees.

14. Make sure room air conditioners are installed tightly to avoid the cool air escaping. Seal any gaps along the sides of your room air conditioners with foam insulation. Your air conditioner needs to work much harder if the cool air is escaping.

15. When you’re using central air conditioning, a programmable thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature when you’re away or sleeping.

16. Look around the house and check the air vents and registers. If they are blocked by furniture or drapes, the air will not reach the rest of the room.

17. Make sure air conditioner thermostats are not near electronics or other items that produce heat; the thermostat will read higher than it should.

18. You may be able to lower your cooling costs by switching light bulbs. LEDs emit very little heat, unlike traditional light bulbs.