How to Keep Your Home Cool Without Cranking the AC

The summer heat makes most folks sweat buckets and reach for the AC control. But keeping that cool air machine running all day costs a small fortune! Good news is that generations before us knew plenty of tricks to stay comfortable without the shocking electric bills and they still work today!

Here's 10 tips on how to beat the heat without emptying your wallet:

1. Keep Sunshine Out

Those sun rays might look pretty coming through your windows, but they heat up your rooms like an oven! Pulling curtains closed when the sun hits that side of the house can make a huge difference. Light-colored curtains bounce heat back outside better than dark ones do. Blackout curtains work great too! Believe it or not, this natural home cooling trick can drop your indoor temperature by 10 degrees or more on a sunny day.

2. Night Air Is Your Friend