Reply #3: We got some attic exhaust fans late last summer

[eleny]

Now that the warm season is beginning we're getting a good idea of how much less we'll be using our air conditioners this summer. They're hardly ever on, go on later in the day and the thermostats are set to a much higher temp than in past years.

Shielding those hot/cold spot windows can make all the difference. Many years ago I got some cute insulated muslin curtains from the Country Curtains catalog. I had the cafes topped off with tiebacks. Those were the early years when we had the drafty windows and aluminum storms. The insulated curtains helped enormously on both the north and south sides of the house. I think we used those curtains for over 20 years since they held up well in the wash. Luckily we liked the style. I see that they've expanded that line.
http://www.countrycurtains.com/jump.jsp?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=181