The scorching days are already here. Some of us are succumbing and switching our air conditioners into full gear. But installing air conditioners and paying for the energy to run them can be costly.

With residential energy consumption expected to rise 22 percent by 2020, finding ways to keep energy use, not to mention your utility bills, down is vital.

The U.S. Department of Energy says steady growth in the hot southern states, the rise in consumer electronics, home office equipment, and security systems will contribute to the mounting consumption level.

Newly built homes are, on average, 14 percent larger than the existing stock, so more heating, cooling, and lighting resources are required. However, under existing building codes and appliance standards, energy use per square foot is typically lower for new construction than for existing homes.

For example, California's energy-efficiency standards, implemented last year, require that all new homes be 15 percent more efficient than they were previously - 30 percent above national standards.

But for those who don't have a new home with stricter energy standards, the DOE's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network has some suggestions and to help keep your house cool - and save you money:

Published: June 4, 2002

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