Summer is fun but not the sun! Things can only get warmer as summer goes on, tempting you to crank the AC and plant yourself in front of the fan. But did you know that you can keep your house cool without blasting the AC?

Yes, here are 5 brilliant tricks to keep your house cool all summer long without maxing your energy consumption.

  1. Close the windows and drapes during the hottest part of the day.

Sunlight turns into heat when it enters your house. So, keep the sunlight out to reduce your solar heat gain. Simple steps like shutting the windows and closing the drapes, especially during the hottest part of the day, can do a lot keep your house cooler.

Sunlight streaming through the bedroom window of a cottage in Carmer, CA, USA

  1. Invest in shutter.

Interior and exterior shutters not only add security to your home and protect it against bad weather but also reduce its heat gain and loss. The shutter can deflect sunlight out and allows you to control how much sun to let in.

  1. Add awnings.

Awnings installed on south- and west-facing windows can reduce solar heat gain by up to 65% and 77%, respectively, according the U.S. Department of Energy. You choose to have an awning to provide shade to you window or have it custom-made for the entire side your home. Choose a material that can resist mildew and fading, and is light-colored to reflect more sunlight.

  1. Power down the appliances you’re not using.

Turn off those appliances you’re not using, particularly computer and television. Also, avoid using heat- and steam-generating appliances, such as dryers and washers, during the hottest hours. Doing so will not only save you money but also reduce the amount of heat accumulating inside your house.

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  1. Plant trees and vines outside the window directly hit by the sun.

Greens don’t only provide shade, they also keep the air cool. So, for long-term and effective solution to the prickly heat, plant deciduous trees on west-facing walls where the sun is stronger.  Also, consider planting climbing vines, such Virginia creeper. They can provide insulation to your outer walls, preventing these from absorbing heat.