When attempting to save energy by using alternatives to reticulated electricity (mains electricity), we should always consider what effect the available alternatives have on our environment, e.g candles require energy input to produce transport and distribute, they also emit co2 when burning. what is their energy output relative to their energy input? This question should be asked every time you consider alternatives, sometimes we forget to take the rational approach, because we become a little over enthusiastic about wanting to make a positive contribution.
Saving electricity is most efficient by simply cutting total amount used, secondly by using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Feeding the energy from solar and wind generators back into the main grid appears to be the most efficient way of utilizing this energy, as it eliminates the need for large (expensive) storage batteries(with high embodied energy content) and expensive inverters.
Cutting back on electricity use is also readily achievable by making use of passive methods of cooling/heating your home. The judicial use of insulating materials, high thermal mass building materials, making use of natural airflows, can all make significant contributions to cooling/heating your home without the use of air-conditioners or electric fans. And if we don't want to go down that track, we should at least consider installing sufficient solar panels on the roof to produce sufficient power to offset the power used by air-conditioning the home. In Australia especially the practice of installing air conditioning in dwellings is increasing exponentially and making significant contributions to the use of Coal powered electricity in this country.