which is more cost efficient, box window fans or central a/c.?

Fans will use much less electricity than an air conditioner. The best way to cool your house without an air conditioner is to open the highest window and the lowest one. The hot air will exit the upper window and cooler air will take its place. If you have attic and cellar windows you can open you will really feel it. No fans needed. If you live on one floor and don't have that option, shut all the windows on the sunny sides of the house and run an exhaust fan in one of the other windows. I like to put the fan at one end of my house and open a window at the other end so air will circulate through the whole house. Closing curtains on the south side of the house will help keep the sun from heating the room as much. It will also keep your furniture and carpet from fading. You said you unplug things whenever possible. This makes a difference in anything with a clock like your microwave oven. Also with anything that can be turned on with a remote control like your TV, DVD, satellite receiver or stereo. I keep those things plugged into a power strip and shut it off when they aren't in use. If you unplug them every time you will eventually break a plug and have to replace it.

The AC is the least efficient. Ceiling fans are highly efficient and can be complimented with box fans running at night helping to pull in cool outside air. If it's hot during the day, shut the windows and blinds but don't turn on the ac. In most cases this will keep the house relatively cool unless you live in a very hot/humid environment. Of course turn off all fans when not in the room.

Open the windows at night and get a box fan to help move cool night air through the house. I have saved a dramatic amount of money by turning my water heater down to the vacation setting when not in use. 30 minutes before you need hot water, turn it back up. It is a hassle but the savings are impressive.

The old "swamp cooler" is and was the most

environmentally friendly, cost effective, and

kept any area pleasantly cool in the hottest

of temperatures.

In essence, it is a metal box set on the roof

with vents in it. there is straw surrounding the sides (inside that bos.) it has vents that open into you house or apt. and placed in a location that is close to the center of the house.

then a pump moves water up and thru the

straw. A large fan forces air thru the

damp straw and into the house.

the only electricity used is for the fan.

The force of the air goes throughout the

house. It is a damp cool that feels very

refreshing.

Most desert climates still have them.

window sreens