There are a wide variety of strategies for reducing air-conditioning costs or staying cool without an air conditioner. Air conditioning is getting more expensive. Air conditioning is the most environmental destructive common energy user because everyone needs it at the same time.
Increased air conditioner usage is driving the construction of more coal-fired electrical generation world wide. Driven by air conditioning, the summer utility peak electrical load also requires utility companies to use old dirty power plants. Many homes have very good opportunities to reduce air-conditioning costs and increase comfort by employing shade, reflectivity, nighttime ventilation, and room air circulation.
