How can I keep my house cool and keep the cost down, while doing less damage to the air?

Question

I have a new energy efficient air condition with a top of the line air cleaner, even though it's suppose to be the most environmentally friend AC unit now, what can I do to help keep my energy cost down and keep my house cool enough?

I also have to have 1 window unit for my second story due to the structure of my house, and the current temperature is at 74 degrees for the AC.

Not only do I want to help the environment, but also saving money is always nice.

Answer 1

It sounds like you've made some important first steps.

Remember, environmentalists tell us to set the thermostat at 68 in the winter and 78 in the summer. (Yes, I know that's sounds harsh.)

You did not mention where you live or what the temperature range has been. With good ventilation, ceiling fans, windows, and attic fans, you should be able to stay comfortable until the temperature exceeds 85 degrees.

Here are some ideas:

1. Plant shade trees on the south side of the house to help shield the house against the sun.
2. Do not use your air conditioner all the time but include fans as part of your economic cooling system. Install ceiling fans and a large attic fan.
3. When possible, open windows and use ceiling fans.
4. In the mornings the outside temperature is often cooler than your thermostat setting. Open windows in the early, early morning and run the attic fan. It will draw cool air throughout the house. Then after the sun has been up for a couple hours, turn off the attic fan and shut the windows. The house should remain cool until about noon.
5. Run the air conditioner from around 1:00 pm to around one hour after sunset. (Exact hours will vary.)
6. When preparing for bed, open the windows again and run the fans.

Answer 2

My husband and I own an old house (1880's) and we try to be environmentally friendly and cost efficient at the same time while keeping our house at a comfortable 74 degrees. Here are some of the things that we have done to reach this goal.

Hints to decrease cost:
1. Programmable Thermostats that help us keep the house a few degrees warmer while we aren't home, and will cool the house back down by the time we come back.

2. Insulation. This included putting insulation under the house.

3. Weather stripping the windows and especially the doors.

4. Window shades. These will help block out sunlight and keep your house cooler.


And finally, the only thing we have done to decrease pollution is to switch to 100% wind power energy. I live in Texas so we are able to choose our electricity provider. To help decrease cost we were able to choose from several providers and pick the one that would supply green energy with more cost efficiency. So, I recommend checking out your service provider to see if you are able to purchase green energy. This will help you help the environment. I hope all this helps. Good luck going green.

Answer 3

Fans. Ceiling fans will make you feel more comfortable at higher temperatures, allowing you to raise your thermostat a few degrees. They only use about the energy of a light bulb on high. Don't forget to turn them off when you leave the room, because they don't cool the room. They just make you feel more comfortable while you are in them.

Open some windows in the mornings and evenings. If you can get a cross breeze (a box window fan can help) you can cool your house substantially in the cool morning hours, allowing your AC to kick on later in the day. As soon as it cools to about 6 degrees cooler than the inside of your house outside, it should be OK to reopen the windows in the evening. Depending on humidity and temperature, this could save a bundle.

Don't forget to lock the windows if crime is a concern. :-)

Answer 4

there are many things that can be done -depending on your local climate. If you house gets very warm because it is exposed to the sun during the day it would help to use plants for shade. Plant shade trees. If your roof is suitable, put as many potted plants as possible on your roof, with vines hanging down the sunny side of the house. Plants will help lower the temperature not only because of the shade, but also with transpiration -as they let water vapor into the atmosphere. If you use a non living material for shade - for best results use it on the outside of the house.

Answer 5

I'm 62yrs. I live in Western Australia where it gets to 40C (110F) When the the children were young this is what I did every day.
-Rise, turn on air conditioner very low. You should not need to raise it up if you do this early.
Shut curtains, shut doors, before it gets light.
Run cold water a couple of minutes in bath-room.
Have cold break-fast.
Have cold shower BUT finish of with hot water which makes you feel colder.

During day put damp towels where-ever there is an air current
Turn off air-conditioner when it gets dark.
Wear cotton clothes.
Sleep on cotton sheets

At end of day open curtains and windows to let in night-time cool.

Answer 6

Keep the shades closed during the day. Use ceiling fans and a cool mist humidifier helps greatly. A friend told me to try it and it does help lower the temp in the room.

Answer 7

You have taken a big step. Remember that all the air conditioner does is cool the air inside your house. There are not any fugitive emissions that damage the air unless you have a coolant leak.