I have been trying to avoid using the air conditioner at all costs, but the heat this past weekend really helped to change my mind a little. I still want to cut down on energy usage and keep my electric bill low, but I also don’t want to suffer. So, I have been researching ways to keep out place cooler in general, so that we can keep use of the air conditioner down to a minimum. Here are a couple of easy solutions:

• Reflective interior blinds on windows can reduce heat gain by 45%
• Medium-colored draperies on windows can also reduce heat gain
• Open the fireplace damper to let cool air in
• Use a ceiling fan for increased air comfort
• Tightly woven bamboo shades hung outside of windows helps block heat by up to 80% in the summer