Cheap chills.(saving energy and money when using air-conditioning equipment)(Brief article)

Electricity prices tend to rise with the temperature, but you can trim your energy bills and still stay comfortable. Here's how to use less air conditioning and cool your home more effectively:

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1 Use fans more. Fans cost little to run, and they create a breeze that can help you feel up to 7 degrees cooler. Our ceiling fan tests found that price had little to do with performance. For advice on buying and installing a ceiling fan, see CloseUp on the facing page.

2 Create some shade. Close the drapes and blinds, and roll out the awnings to filter the sun, especially for west-facing windows in the afternoon. All can help keep the room's temperature from rising. Trees and bushes on the side of your home that gets the most western sun can also reduce your cooling costs. For more energy-saving landscaping tips, go to www.eere.energy.gov/consumer.

3 Swap lightbulbs. Incandescent bulbs produce about 75 percent more heat than Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent lights. Replacing a 60-watt incandescent bulb with a 15-watt CFL can save you up to $41 over the life of the bulb. Though all the CFLs we tested last much longer than regular bulbs, the Feit Ecobulb Plus ESL13T/Eco, GE 8,000 Hour Long Life 41525, and N:Vision 423-599 lasted longest. CFLs contain small amounts of mercury. Go to www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling for recycling programs in your area.

4 Summerize your home. Adding insulation and sealing air leaks help keep you comfortable year-round and can also lower your energy bills by hundreds of dollars a year. Start by insulating the attic or adding to the insulation ...