I have lived in the Chicago North Shore area for 25 years - in Kenilworth, Wilmette, 
and now Winnetka, and I've seen different kinds of summer weather. The summer of 2011 is a tough one.
This hot and muggy weather has strained our minds, our health, and our budgets. Some people don't worry about it, they just turn the air on in May and leave it that way until October, not matter the weather in between.
For those that want to find relief and not stress out about it, here are some good tips for cooling your home in the summer.
1. Ceiling fans are a great way to beat the heat - they reduce temperatures by 6 or 7 degrees. Ceiling fans don't use a lot of energy and you can save by being able to turn down the air conditioning. Make sure that you feel the air blowing downward.
2. Install white mini-blinds or shades - they can reduce solar heat gain by 40-50%. In rooms that face the sun (east in the morning, south and west in the afternoon) keep the blinds or shades closed. By keeping the heat out, you will help your air conditioner cool more efficiently.
3. Try to run large appliances in the evening, and if you must use the oven or stove, be sure to use the vent to expel some of the heat.
4. Check to see if your exterior units are shaded - they will use less electricity if operating out of the sun. Properly placing new trees around the house can save between $100-200 in heating and cooling costs.
5. Avoid landscaping with cement, asphalt or rock in unshaded areas around the south and west side of the house.
6. Make sure your attic is insulated - increasing the thickness from 3" to 12" could save as much as 10% on your costs.
7. Install awnings on south facing windows if the roof overhang does not block the sun.
8. Use compact flourescent lights inside - they provide 75% less heat than incandescent lights.
9. Replace or clean your air conditioner's intake filter and have it serviced one-a-year for peak efficiency.
10. Turn on the exhaust fan in your bathroom when taking a hot shower- a lot of the humidity will be vented out.
Just try a few of these tips out and see if they work for you. And remember, summer is over in a blink of an eye and you'll be reading my post on tips to keep your house warm in the winter!
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