Ways to Stay Cool This Summer

It's official...we are in that annual stretch of weather where the heat is relentless, the AC is running non-stop, and I am looking for any way I can to stay cool.
 
The Department of Energy has published a list of ways to stay cool this summer, especially in the seering heat of Phoenix.  To save money this year, consider the following:
 

• Set your thermostat as high as is comfortable.  Each degree below 78 degrees will increase your energy us by 3-4%.
• Use ceiling fans when you are in the room (turn them off when you leave).  Fans can make you feel 3 to 8 degrees cooler (and usually cost less than a penny an hour to operate...an AC costs about 70 times more to operate than that...)
• Install a programmable thermostat...if you haven't already, the return on investment for a programmable thermostat is about 4 months.  Furthermore, you can save 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 10% to 15% for at least 8 hours...this can be achieved automatically with programmable thermostats.  Also, you may qualify for a rebate for installing programmable thermostats.
• Replace your air filters once a month...clogged filters decrease the performance and efficiency of the AC.
• Don't place lamps or TVs near your air conditioning thermostat. The heat from these appliances will cause the air conditioner to run longer.
• Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house. Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day.
• Install awnings on south-facing windows. Because of the angle of the sun, trees, a trellis, or a fence will best shade west-facing windows. Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows.
• Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units, but not block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses less electricity.
• Avoid landscaping with lots of unshaded rock, cement, or asphalt on the south or west sides. It increases the temperature around the house and radiates heat to the house after the sun has set.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents; they produce the same light but use a fifth the energy and heat
• Air-dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.
• Use a microwave oven instead of a conventional electric range or oven.
• Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
• Caulking and weatherstripping will keep cool air in during the summer.
• Check to see that your fireplace damper is tightly closed.
• Most importantly, if you haven't had your AC serviced within the last year, call your AC person immediately to make sure that it is working with optimum efficiency.