Here are some ideas to help you keep your cool without cranking the A/C down to 63°:

• If your looking at installing an air conditioner, consider a whole house fan instead. En lieu of a window-mount A/C, opt for a window fan. Of course, if you’re lucky like me, and have two windows, setting a fan in front of one—with the screen out of the way—to blow the hot air out will draw a nice evening breeze in the other; especially if the door is closed.
• Keep your refrigerator and freezer full. The more empty space there is, the more warm air you lock inside after opening and closing the door. Fill soda bottles with water and stick them in the freezer. When you need more room, move them to the refrigerator where their “coolth” will reduce the load on the system.
• Take a brief cold shower before going to bed, and towel off lightly if at all. You may find you don’t need the A/C after all; especially with the aid of a low fan.
• If you have the option, stay-up/sleep in later, this way you’re awake when it’s coolest. Granted, you might use a little electricity so you can see, but a CFL uses much less power than an air conditioner.
• While it’s always a good idea to make sure unused devices are turned off and/or unplugged, it’s especially important in the summer. Any energy a machine does not use to make noise or light or espresso is given off as waste heat. In some cases this can mean the difference between an uncomfortable room and a tolerable one.

  Note: This does not mean that it’s a good idea to leave these devices turned on all winter long, electricity is one of the most expensive and least efficient means of heating a room.

Feel free to share any tips you have in the comments below.