With most of the country experiencing warm weather and some parts having temps in the triple digits how can a homeowner cut back on energy usage and still be comfortable? It could be as easy as
buying an Energy Star-rated programmable thermostat for as little as $25.
Ronnie Kweller, a spokeswoman for the nonprofit Alliance to Save Energy in Washington said “When the house is empty, the thermostat could be turned up and set to have the temperature drop to more comfortable levels by the time you arrive home.” Just doing that can cut energy expenses by 10 percent.
Other fairly easy ways to cool include replacing air-conditioning filters regularly (watch a video on how to change your home air filter at: http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Change-a-Home-Air-Filter-33284690 )as recommended by the manufacturer; closing blinds, curtains and shades on the sunny side of the house, and using energy-efficient lights that don’t produce a lot of heat — or just shutting off the lights when you leave a room.
To get more tips read the full article at: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/26/2282886/save-energy-and-stay-cool-this.html
Disclaimer: Content for Information and Entertainment Only
Green Real Estate Appraiser 
What are bedridden seniors supposed to do if their air conditioning breaks down during a heat wave? Will someone come get them? Are their any vans that will pick up people and take them to the nearest cooling center? Will there be any nurses or doctors on hand that know how to take care of the elderly in such situations?
What if there is a power outage?