• Clear debris, tall weeds and other items away from the A/C unit outside so ventilation is not restricted to increase efficiency.
• Extended roof overhangs or permanent awnings can reduce the solar heat that enters your house (especially on south and west facing windows) and will also reduce glare and eye strain and keep rain off windows (keeping them cleaner and extending their life). Today’s awnings can be adjustable and retractable, water-repellent and mildew-resistant, and they can cover one window or an entire side of your house.
• Solar screens are a great way to reduce solar heat in your home. Half-screens on the lower half of the window also help. If nothing else, the insect screens that came with your windows help reduce the sun’s heat.
• Solar film is not as effective because the glass still radiates the sun’s heat into the home, but they can reflect the sun’s rays while allowing light to come through. They also reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation and reduce glare. With a careful, patient hand, you can install them in a weekend (or, if you lack confidence, hire a professional to do the job.)
• Buy trellises and vines to shade your windows. Consider planting one or more deciduous trees on the west and south sides of your house to block harsh rays in summer while allowing sunshine in after leaves have fallen in winter. Plant away from power lines and use native, drought tolerant trees. Trim your hedges, shrubs or trees to keep them far enough from your house that they don’t pose a hazard/problem, but close enough to shade windows from summer’s heat. 
• And don’t forget one of the most enjoyable ways to save energy in the summer: grilling meals outdoors instead of heating up the kitchen. Eat well, listen to the birds and enjoy a Texas sunset. 

Have a pool?

• Run water through pool filters no more than 12 hours a day in the summer.
• Keep the filter clean because clogged filters increase the energy draw of the pool pump.
• Pool cleaning devices only need to run as needed, rather than on a schedule. Try just three hours once a week.
• Replace old, inefficient pool pumps, and make sure all pool equipment is working.