As the temperatures hover above 100 degrees and our first shocking energy bills roll in this month, we'll all get a good gut check on why we need to shrink our carbon footprint.

The good news is, tax credits and energy rebates are making this a little easier.

Here are 10 simple, affordable ways to help you lower your energy costs while staying cool.

By Kara G. Morrison / The Arizona Republic

I was recently contacted by Carol Venolia an architect and writer for Natural Home Magazine and author of "Natural Remodeling for the Not So Green House". Carol was in the process of developing a plan for a green remodel for a historic home in downtown Mesa.

Carol told me how she develops feature articles for Natural Home Magazine by working with homeowners who contact her after reading her articles about natural remodeling.

Carol and I met with the homeowner and two officials from the city of Mesa to discuss the project. The city officials were very enthusiastic about our proposal of improving this historic Mesa home with green techniques.  After viewing the home and discussing the homeowners desires to improve her home we agreed to meet again the next week to perform a complete energy audit.

The homeowner wants to improve her home with a green focused remodel. An energy audit is a great way to learn about your homes strengths and shortcomings in order to develop your remodeling priorities and get the most from your remodeling investment.

We are in an ongoing conversation as our project is developing. I will write more as we decide on the best course of action.

I would also like to recommend Carol's book "Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House". I bought a copy after my being approached for help by Carol Venolia. I found it to be a unique perspective on remodeling homes to maximize their livability by bringing the home into harmony with nature.