Originally Posted By: OneEyeJack
Would a sun shade of some kind over the unit help at all?
Some, but make sure the shade does not impede airflow.
The previous owners of my house built a pergola over the A/C with some fence slats on the sides, full airflow, but shades the unit from morning to mid day (then the house shades it).
As for the misters, as said, if you have really soft water, it could be a helpful solution, so long as your water cost does not outweigh the electrical savings.
For the well water statement, you're still having to run the well pump more, so electrical use there, as well as wear and tear on the pump.
I have n occasion taken a hose and sprayed the condenser when it needs to catch up (lots of family over with door opening a lot and 100°F+ outside).