RENO, NV - Set the thermostat at 78 to 80 degrees when at home and to 5 to 10 degrees warmer at night or when you're not home. Homeowners should change their air conditioner filters monthly. It's also a good idea to have the equipment serviced by a heating and cooling contractor every couple of years.

Homeowners can also work with Mother Nature to reduce their cooling bills. In the mornings and evenings, open windows to let the cool northern Nevada air into your home, and keep window coverings closed during the day to keep the heat out. Planning on doing some landscaping this summer? Plant shade trees on the south and west sides of your home. When those trees mature they'll reduce the amount of heat that enters your home.

Homeowners may also consider evaporative or "swamp" coolers which use less energy than large air conditioning units and allow you to "spot cool" rooms. Evaporative coolers can increase humidity, an extra benefit in Nevada's dry climate. In addition, you might consider installing ceiling fans to cool down rooms in your home so you won't have to rely as much on your air conditioner.

Other energy savings tips from the energy efficiency expert: Upgrade the insulation in your attic. Statistics show that a home with an R-38 insulation value in the attic will use less energy and pay for itself in power bill savings in as little as two years. Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your house automatically for a savings of up to $100 a year in energy costs. Use energy efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) instead of incandescent lights. For every bulb replaced you can save up to $1 per month (for bulbs running 4-6 hours per day).

For more tips or additional information on any of NV Energy's conservation programs log onto NVEnergy.com or call (775) 834-4444.