Temp Exterior

Windows: Obviously triple pane is best, BUT that can get expensive. Simply adding storm windows is adding another layer. You get the same R-Value as if you had double or triple pane with an added benefit. If a storm window breaks, its $40 for a WHOLE window, MUCH cheaper than replacing or fixing your standard window. The best color for a window is white.

Roof: The one thing most people never acknowledge is that the best color for a roof to be is WHITE. If you want to paint (coat) it white with a Hydrated Lime and water mortar, go ahead, for less than $100 you can coat your entire roof. Barring that, choose the BRIGHTEST shade shingle you can stand. DIY examples HERE.

Walls: AGAIN, WHITE, especially in the south. If you have a brick house and want to go white, consider wrapping the house in standard or preferably aluminized house wrap, then install vinyl siding, the extra layer of insulation will keep the brick from absorbing heat all day long and then dumping it into your house while you try to sleep.

Crawlspace: Reports have shown that you can seal the whole crawlspace to lower your electric bill, insulate the foundation walls, lay down good moisture barrier and optionally install gas aware vent fans. You then open a small section of ducting so the crawlspace air is conditioned by your heatpump to control moisture. You can also optionally install an automatic sump pump or stand alone dehumidifier.READ THIS

Central Air: Make sure it is clean and has a full charge of refrigerant. If it is in the sun, you can paint it white. If it is a package unit, it could use more insulation like this. Check to make sure that your outside unit fan is not blowing hot air against the eaves of your house. Air rises in a cone, not a straight column. This heated air can cause your attic to get hotter than it needs to be. It also can cause nearby windows to become hot from the heated air rolling down the wall. To solve the problem, make a cowl out of a material of your choice and direct the air away from your house. Economical high SEER units HERE

Landscaping: Plant some shade trees. If you plant trees near your house, choose trees that consist on many SMALL trunks, not one LARGE one. Stay away from oaks and pines, if it falls on your house, you won't be happy. Consider white pebble stone instead of black asphalt for your driveway.