Cooling

• Plant shade trees and shrubs on the west side of your house.
  

• Cool your home naturally by opening windows to create a cross-current.
  

• During the summer months, draw shades during the day to keep cool, then open them at night.
  

• Install an attic fan and consider enlarging attic vents to disperse the buildup of heat. Heat from the attic eventually finds its way downstairs.
  

• A ceiling fan uses 1/10 the electricity of an air conditioner, and puts a positive spin on your electric bill.
  

• Locate air conditioners on the north side of the house, preferably in a shaded area.
  

• Don't pay to cool areas you aren't using. Close the air ducts in unoccupied rooms and save 5-10% on your air conditioning costs.
  

• Each degree that you raise the thermostat on your cooling system saves 2% on your electric bill. Experts recommend setting the air conditioner's thermostat at 78 degrees F or higher.