Aug. 22--As Progress Energy Florida and Tampa Electric both begin implementing double-digit increases in electricity rates, Times readers share an array of innovative ways to conserve energy and save some money. Here are a few of the suggestions.

MY AC UNIT was not cooling well, so I had the compressor replaced, which reduced my electric bill by about $40 a month.

-- Adrian Nenu, St. Petersburg

WE TURN OFF computer printers and unplug cell phone chargers when they are not in use. We turn off lights when we leave a room.

-- Steve Weiss, Tampa

I CLOSE THE DRAPES and shutters on the large west windows of the condo. I totally turn off my large-screen TV at night, as it has an internal fan that runs 24-7.

-- Robert Lartz, Seminole

USE LESS HOT WATER by using the dishwasher once a week.

-- Helen McKay, Pinellas Park

I HAVE REPLACED all my light bulbs with the new ones. I do my laundry when I have a full load for my washer and dryer.

-- Rose Marie Plante, Clearwater

I TURN MY THERMOSTAT up to 85 degrees when I go to work. When I get home, I bring it down to 78 degrees and I put it back up to 80 degrees overnight while I sleep.

-- Elaine Somoza, Clearwater

MY CAT AND I live in a house that's less than 700 square feet. A small house means you'll have less space to heat or cool.

-- Kimberly Cooper, St. Petersburg

I PUT MY WATER HEATER on a timer. I replaced my windows with energy-efficient models. I swapped my thermostat with a programmable digital model.

-- Stefan Sommers, St. Petersburg

A YEAR AGO I INSTALLED the new fluorescent light bulbs everywhere. I also shut down my two computers each night. The thermostat is set at 78 degrees in the daytime and

81 degrees overnight.

-- Mike Rosenthal, Clearwater

PUT POWER STRIPS on all the major vampire electric stealers and turn off the switch so there is not a constant power draw. We installed compact fluorescents in all light fixtures.

-- Kevin and Susan Horan, New Port Richey

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