12 Ways to Save on Cooling Costs

I don't know about where you live, but in Michigan it's been hot, hot, hot the past few weeks, so when I saw this piece from Bankrate on how to save on cooling costs, it seemed natural to post it. Their list:

1. Use a programmable thermostat. 
2. Enjoy more summer fare.
3. Insulate your attic door.
4. Low-tech, low-cost savings.
5. Use ceiling fans.
6. Create an outside oasis.
7. Replace old air conditioning units.
8. Opt for energy-efficient appliances.
9. Plant a few trees.
10. Support your local parks.
11. Consider solar solutions.
12. Go online.

Here's what we do on each of these:

1. Have one and use it every day. It saved us a ton on vacation too. We turned off the cooling for most of the time we were gone, then had it kick on a few hours before we got back so it was cool when we arrived home. Nice.

2. We do both -- we grill out AND cook twice the amount we need for one meal. We then use the leftovers for lunches or another dinner.

3. Our attic overall needs more insulation. It's on my to-do list.

4. The tip we use of the ones listed in this section is that we keep the curtains closed. At least I try and do this. My wife prefers the light over the coolness. :-(

5. We have them and use them. They really do make a difference.

6. Pass. "Outside" and "cool" don't compute with me right now.

7. We could probably replace our AC in the next few years and save a good amount. It's at least seven years old (how long we've lived in the house) so it may be due to be replaced in the near future.

8. We do this whenever we buy a new appliance.

9. I'll amend this to "let your trees grow." We have trees in our yard that are really starting to mature quite nicely. They are now providing a good amount of shade for our house and lawn.

10. Hmmm. I didn't know that "a green space with trees can bring down the temperatures for an entire city area." We have a park near our house, but it has few trees. Instead, we have tennis courts, playground equipment, basketball courts, and soccer fields. I think our backyard has more trees than the park.

11. I need to investigate this option.

12. Yep, a home energy audit can save tons. We'll probably have one done on our new house if and when we decide to move.

Comments

[Stevek]

Let me add two more suggestions to your list:

13. Consider installing an attic fan.

14. Consider getting a geothermal heat pump installed, instead of a traditional A/C system. Google "geothermal heat pump", or see the Wikipedia article for more info.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal_heat_pump