10 ways to cool your house

Odd coincidence that I am posting about staying cool on a St. Louis weekend in July and it is not even suppose to hit 80 degrees.
1. Use ceiling fans. Fans use a fraction of the power as A/C. Save some cash: keep your A/C set at a higher temp and run the fans. Also, consider running your fans as long as you can take it before turning on the A/C. Energy Star says it best, ceiling fans keep us cool rather than cooling the entire room.
2. Plant a tree. This isn't probably the best return on an investment. Keeping the south side of your house shaded is great in the summer. Spending the money on gigantic shade trees is expensive and planting small trees and waiting 15 years for the shade are both not the smartest choice. I think I am pointing this out to all of those that have shade on the south side. Be happy and feel lucky.
3. Don't cook inside. If you need to cook, think about your microwave and grilling as first options. This may not be the time to start your winter prep and bake 8 pies to freeze.
4. Open your windows. On those days you choose to rest the A/C, create a breeze through your house using science. Open windows on the bottom section on the upwind side and the top section on the downwind. The low pressure this creates will suck air through your house. It's the basic technology of airplanes (I read that, I didn't know that). Now good luck figuring out what is downwind and upwind.
5. If you are looking for an investment, awnings are a low/mid-priced expense that can save money.
6. Dress appropriately. Just like winter, when I tell you to suck it up, save some money, and put on sweater on (wow, I have just turned into my father). Wear light, loose clothing to stay cool in your house.

Have a great weekend and enjoy this amazing weather.