Shade your windows — Sunny windows make air conditioners work two to three times harder. Reduce air-conditioning costs by closing curtains on the south- and west-facing windows during the day. Window shades, blinds, or drapes will reflect heat away from the house.
Insulate your investment — Properly insulating a home can help keep a home cooler during summer (and warmer in winter) and save homeowners up to $220 annually on energy bills. The attic is the easiest and most affordable place to add insulation to a home.
Weatherize — Air leaks can lead to wasted energy and spending. Weather-stripping will keep cool air in during summer. Insulating areas around air-conditioning ducts in unconditioned spaces, such as attics, crawl spaces and garages, also will save energy and money.
©2013 The Philadelphia Inquirer
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