Shaded Air Conditioners
You can make your air conditioner more efficient by ensuring that it is shaded with either trees or shrubs.  You can also install an awning if trees or shrubs are not an option.  A cool unit uses less energy because it does not need to work as hard.

Use the Off Switch
While it may seem obvious, many people are not aware that they can save lots of money on their energy costs by turning their air conditioning and heat down during the night and off entirely when they are not at home.  A programmable thermostat may be the best option for those people who have a difficult time remembering to change the setting.  A programmable thermostat is a small investment that can yield great savings over time.

Keep Doors Closed
Do not spend money heating or cooling rooms that are not in use.  Close the vents and doors in to those rooms that are never or hardly ever used.  You will save energy as you are heating less overall space.

Swamp Cooler Tips
You can save up to 50% water just by waiting to turn your swamp cooler on until the outdoor temperature reaches 85° as opposed to 79°.  When using your swamp cooler you should turn on the water pump a couple of minutes prior to turning on the fan.  The cooler will be more efficient, and use less energy, if the pads are saturated before you turn on the fan.

Open Windows
When using a swamp cooler you can cool your home faster by cracking a window in the rooms you are cooling.