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How to Keep Your House Cool Without Cranking the AC

Small moves keep the house cooler without the AC bill.
Small moves keep the house cooler without the AC bill.

Before you crank the AC and dread the bill, stop the heat from getting in. These moves do most of the work for a few dollars.

Close the blinds on the sunny side during the day.
Close the blinds on the sunny side during the day.

Block the sun during the day

Most heat comes straight through the glass. Close blinds and use thermal/blackout curtains on sun-facing windows during the day.

Thermal blackout curtains →

Use fans in the evening to push hot air out.
Use fans in the evening to push hot air out.

Move air the smart way

Set ceiling fans counterclockwise in summer. At night, put a box fan in a window and open one on the opposite side for a cross-breeze.

Box & tower fans →

Seal gaps so the cool air you have stays inside.
Seal gaps so the cool air you have stays inside.

Seal the leaks

Weatherstripping and a door sweep keep the cool air you paid for inside.

Weatherstripping & door sweeps →

Ceiling fans let you set the thermostat a few degrees higher.
Ceiling fans let you set the thermostat a few degrees higher.

Make the AC work less

Raise the thermostat a few degrees (a smart one does it for you) and change the filter monthly in summer.

Smart thermostat →

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