As the summer sun begins to bake the pavement and humidity levels climb, the hum of the air conditioner becomes the definitive soundtrack of American home life. For many families, however, that comfort comes with a side of “sticker shock” when the monthly utility bill arrives. Cooling a home is often the single largest energy expense for a household, particularly in warmer climates where the unit runs almost around the clock. The good news is that achieving a perfectly chilled indoor environment doesn’t have to break the bank. By focusing










