Does anyone know how to cool a house in the Summer (or lower the energy bill?)?

Question

We live in Houston (therefore, our A/C is on 8 months out of the year) and have a two story house. We try to keep the thermostat near 75-77 during the summer. The upstairs is comfortable at this temp., but the downstairs is freezing! Also, it seems like during the day, our A/C runs constantly. I was wondering if it's better to close all downstairs vents, or if this would only create more rising hot air. We're pretty religious about all the other energy saving tricks (new light bulbs, curtains, efficient appliances, attic fan, etc) but are there other ways to even out the temperature throughout the house?

Answer 1

i work at the electric company, we have a book about it, but i dont have it home with me... i know they say keep your blinds closed at daytime, and open @ night. fans use less energy. you can block certain rooms off. or only turn the ac on in the area you want cooled..

Answer 2

energy efficiant windows/doors are REALLY important, if you have old windows and doors your a/c being on is pointless if its seeping out into the hot air