Saving Money on Air Conditioning

This post is part of a multi-part series on Saving Money A to Z here at Frugal Follies.

Finding ways to save money on AC probably isn't a big issue for most of you now, with the cool fall weather coming.  But here in the warmer parts of the United States, it's almost a year-round concern.  Seems to me that there are basically two ways to save on air conditioning:

1.  Turn up the thermostat and get used to a warmer temperature in the house.
2.  Run the air conditioning more efficiently.


So here are some ideas I had to beat the heat in the house:

• Open the windows - only if it's cooler outside than inside.
• Run ceiling fans when you are in the room.  Turn them off when you leave a room, though.
• Use box fans as well.  Keep them out of reach of children.
• Wear lighter clothing that allows air movement.  Keep your shoes off.
• Drink cool drinks, even when (and especially when) you're not thirsty.
• Find another cooler place to be, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
• Try to create as little heat energy from cooking as you can by cooking with a crockpot, outside on a barbecue, or by eating more meals that don't require cooking.
• Don't run dishwashers or other heat-producing, washer/dryers, or other heat-producing appliances during the warmest parts of the day.
• Gradually get yourself used to having a higher temperature in the house.  Try increasing the air conditioning temperature by one degree every few days; once it truly becomes unbearable, bring it down slightly.

As for running the air conditioning more efficiently, that's a subject that many experts have delved into.  I certainly am not an expert, so let me point you to some folks who know more about the subject:

• Mr. Electricity has 37 ways to help you, including changes to your attic and roof that you can make.
• Cash Money Life has some great suggestions on changes you can make in your home.
• The folks at Consumer Reports have some great tips on changing your light bulbs and creating shade within the house.

Check these sites for more great tips and frugal ideas:

• Frugal Friday @ Life as MOM 
• Making Dollars out of Change @ Madame Deals 
• Tuesday's Tips @ Couponomic Stimulus Package 
• Penny Pinching Party @ The Thrifty Home 
• Works For Me Wednesday @ We Are That Family
• Thrifty Tip Tuesday @ I Am a Money Magnet 
• Tightwad Tuesday @ Raising 4 Godly Men
• Thrifty Thursday @ Melissa's Bargain Blog
• Thrifty Thursday @ Coupon Teacher 
• Fantastic Frugal Fridays @ Frugality Is Free 
• Money Saving Monday @ Family Friendly Frugality