A lot of air conditioners are on overdrive these days, and that's not good for the planet or your bank account.

On hot days, it's easy to go home, crank up the A/C and enjoy. But did you realize that more than half of the energy that your home is sucking up is directly tied to cooling it down? Unless you're thinking green...

1) Run those ceiling fans. Just make sure they're rotating in a counter-clockwise motion so it will produce a breeze and circulate the cool air from your A/C to circulate properly. Efficient use of ceiling fans could allow you to raise your thermostat three to four degrees saving energy and money.

2) Pull those shades and keep the sunlight out. When we're outside, it's pretty easy to see how the sun heats things up. But once we're inside, the sunlight that comes through our windows can raise temperatures inside our homes.

3) Be mindful of how your appliances heat your home. Your stove and dryer put out a lot of heat, so use them in the early morning or evening hours when it's cooler. Better yet, make use of your outdoor grill or air dry some of your clothes outside. No energy used...more money in your pocket.

4) Stay cool by staying hydrated. Never underestimate the power of an ice-cold beverage or a frozen treat to keep your body temperature and your electric bill down.