With the advent of air conditioning, those who live in warm-weather regions no longer have to suffer through sticky-hot nights. But the concerned citizen who wants to minimize energy use can prepare the bedroom to be a more comfortable and energy-efficient place to dream away a midsummer night.

Good air circulation in your home helps manage comfort in warm weather, reducing the need for an air conditioner. Cross-ventilation also reduces humidity, discourages mildew, and brings in clean, fresh air.

To encourage good air flow and reduce energy-guzzling air-conditioning and heating, follow these suggestions:

• Install windows that you can open to let in breezes.

• Use floor fans or ceiling fans, which take less energy to run than an air conditioner.

• Hang blinds, curtains, or window treatments that you can open to take advantage of sun and breeze and that you can tightly close to provide insulation and privacy when needed.

• To reduce solar gain (when the sun heats up the interior of your home through your windows, making your air conditioner work harder), plant deciduous trees so that they shade your windows.

• Arrange your bedroom furniture so that the bed is positioned in the cross-breeze from the window to the door.

• Adjust your bedding instead of the thermostat: heavier blankets in the winter, light coverings in the summer.