Thoughts from Phoenix
In PHX we have an art of managing our A/C. Our power companies of have time of day plans where power costs more during the hottest time of the day. We invested in a programmable thermostat (about $100 at Home Depot/Lowes). We cool our house down at night (cooling from 90 to 75 is less taxing on the A/C than cooling from 110 to 75). We have the thermostat set for 84 during the day, program the thermostat to start cooling to 78 about a 1/2 before we get home and then down to 75 at bedtime. Fans don't do a lot if you are not in the room, but are a must when you are! Your utility company may also have rebates or discounts on solar screens - windows are a major heat source. Shade trees are also helpful. Make sure to check the weather stripping around doors and windows. Older houses may need to have duct work sealed. Once last thought - make sure to change your air filter at least once a month. Good luck!
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