Windows are a significant source of unwanted heat, allowing more than 30% of external heat to enter your home. By keeping blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day, you can substantially reduce indoor temperatures. Shades and curtains can save up to seven percent on energy bills and lower indoor temperatures by as much as 20 degrees. Opting for neutral-colored curtains with insulating backings, such as white plastic layers, can block up to 33% of heat. For enhanced efficiency, consider installing window tint films or upgrading to double-pane windows, which provide better insulation and further minimize heat transfer.

Temperatures generally cool off at night, so make the most of the refreshing air. Open the windows and cool rooms with a wind tunnel. Strategically place fans near or in windows to create a cross breeze. During the day, close the windows and follow best practices for the most effective daytime cooling.

Another clever way to cool your home is with a fan and a wet sheet. Open the top of the window on the downwind side of your home. Open the bottom section on the upwind side – the side from which the breeze is coming. Place a box fan in one window to push the hot air out. Wet a sheet and hang it in front of the second open window. This strategy helps to bring chillier air into the house.

Install an awning or shade outside your windows. Awnings are affordable and can add character and style to your home’s exterior. Hood and solid aluminum awnings are the best. Fixed steel or metal hoods are user-friendly and impervious to wind. Awnings made with hurricane fabric are lightweight and ideal if you live in a locale where stormy weather often occurs. Louvered Bermuda or plantation shades are hinged at the top and rotate 170 degrees to provide shade from the sun as it moves through the day. Roller awnings are motorized, retract in a minute and operate by remote control.

Relax and eat meals outdoors on your patio, deck, balcony or at a nearby picnic table to help you feel cooler. Seventy-two percent of U.S. households have a grill. There are numerous types to choose from depending on the available space. You can choose a standard charcoal grill or a small portable kettle grill. Pellet grills are a versatile choice with smoker and grill capabilities. Gas and propane grills preheat in the shortest amount of time. An indoor/outdoor electric bistro or charcoal patio grill is appropriate if you own or rent a townhome, apartment or have a petite backyard.

To maximize the cooling efficiency of your ceiling fans, adjust their rotation based on the season. During the summer, set the fan to spin counterclockwise, which pushes cool air downward, creating a breeze that enhances evaporative cooling and makes the room feel cooler. This simple adjustment can make a noticeable difference in comfort while using less energy than air conditioning. Reversing the fan's direction in the winter can help circulate warm air trapped near the ceiling, improving overall indoor temperature balance throughout the year.

You can help keep your home and the community cooler by planting trees around on your property. Trees not only provide shade, but they act as natural air conditioning for the environment. How is this possible? Trees slowly evaporate water from their leaves which removes heat from the surrounding area. One mature tree has the same cooling impact as ten air conditioners running for 20 hours a day.

Lightbulbs, even environmentally friendly CFLs, give off heat. The surface temperature on a standard lightbulb can reach up to 250 degrees. Ninety percent of the energy generated by an incandescent bulb is discharged as heat. Just one of these lights in a small room can increase the temperature by 11 degrees. Energy-efficient LED lights have a much lower surface temperature at 100 degrees. Summer days stay lighter longer, so take advantage of the natural light as much as possible.

Everything that’s plugged into a socket produces heat. Even those little red “off” lights drain energy and produce heat. Turning off is not enough. Unplug your television, chargers, portable vacuum and wireless phones. To save time, use power strips to unplug several heat-producing devices all at once. Some power strips have motion sensors that shut off everything automatically when you leave the room. Others feature a master control you can direct by remote control.

Keeping your home cool is only part of staying comfortable during the summer; managing your body temperature is equally important. Use breathable fabrics like cotton, microfiber, or bamboo sheets to enhance ventilation and airflow while you sleep. Applying cold compresses or ice packs to pulse points such as wrists, neck, elbows, ankles, and behind the knees can provide immediate cooling relief. Additionally, consider using high-tech cooling pillows that circulate water to keep your head cool. Taking a cold shower before bed and eating light dinners can also help lower your core body temperature, making it easier to stay comfortable during hot nights.

Insulation isn't just for keeping warm; it's also crucial for staying cool. Upgrading your attic and wall insulation can block the summer heat from infiltrating your living spaces. Consider a professional inspection to identify weak spots and recommend the best materials for keeping your house cool. Remember, a well-insulated home can maintain a comfortable temperature longer, reducing the need for artificial cooling.

Sealing gaps and cracks around windows and doors can prevent hot air from entering your sanctuary. Simple weatherization using caulk or weather stripping is an easy weekend project that can make a noticeable difference. By blocking these leaks, you're not only keeping the cool air in but also significantly reducing your energy consumption, making your cooling efforts more efficient and effective.

The little things can make a big difference, like switching to LED lightbulbs. Unlike traditional bulbs, LEDs emit minimal heat, helping to keep room temperatures down. They're also incredibly energy-efficient, saving you money on electricity bills while reducing your environmental footprint. Make the switch throughout your home to enjoy a cooler, more cost-effective lighting solution.

A hot attic can act like a furnace, pushing warm air into your living spaces below. Improving your attic's ventilation can help expel this hot air, significantly cooling your home. Consider adding roof and soffit vents to encourage airflow, drawing cool air in from the eaves and pushing hot air out the top. This circulation can make a noticeable difference in your home's overall temperature.

If your home includes a basement, you can take advantage of its naturally cooler air to help regulate indoor temperatures. Use fans to draw this cool air up to the main floors, reducing the need for air conditioning. Positioning a fan at the top of the basement stairs can effectively push cool air throughout the house, providing a natural and cost-effective cooling solution. This method is particularly beneficial for homes without central air conditioning, offering a sustainable way to maintain a comfortable living environment during the summer months.