Minimize AC cost

We’ve done a few things:

1. Upgraded windows with infrared filter layer.

2. Extra attic insulation, where practical.

3. Replacement garage doors, going from solid wood to insulated steel.

4. Trees.

5. Pending roof shingle replacement will include a vent, to convert kitchen range hood (currently recirculating).

 

For this past week, under the heat dome, I've boinked the thermostat setting up to 29℃ and relied on airy clothing and ceiling fans.

It's not uncomfortable, but sleeping in fan-circulated 29℃ air does really dry me out.

Saturday, I had to rehydrate a robin that had fallen right out of my tree and was almost unresponsive on the ground.

 

Our crows resort to open-beak behaviour when it’s hot; looks comical but helps.

 

The window filters are great ideas. A passive way to improve the feel of a room with no additional energy expenditure.

We hung a variant of these type blinds years ago on our windows that have proven their worth in noise reduction-light filtering and increased energy efficiency. They are relatively affordable and very convenient.

Amazon.com: Boolegon Blackout Roller Shades for Windows Cordless Roller Blinds with Cassette Valance Roller Window Blinds Thermal Insulation Energy Saving Shades for Home Door Office,Beige,Custom Sizes : Home & Kitchen

In the summer and winter there is a noticeable difference when the blinds are shut as to the rooms feeling warm or cool.

The ceiling fans in each room also help tremendously on how the room feels in the summer/winter. Ours are reversible and blow air down in the summer/ pull air up in the winter when the rotation switch is changed.

Would expect in a pinch sheets or towels over the windows to block the sun and a room swivel fan would also be effective supplements.

 

Heat mitigation in Central Texas

1. Low e windows reject infrared uv heat. Coating on the inside of the outside glass pane.

2. Outside roller shutters on windows with direct afternoon sun.

3. Encapsulated attic using spray foam.

4. No air handlers in attic

5. Extremely large thermal mass concrete slab and concrete block fireplaces.

6. Dual stage heat pumps with txv metering. Ecm blowers.

7. Vehicles in detached garage.

8. Mature shade trees.

Possible major improvement would be grid tied solar array with micro inverters. Some installations cover complete power usage including an electric car. Usual ROI 8-10 years.