The summer sun signals sweltering settings for much of the United States. In turn, approximately 75 percent of American homes employ air conditioners to hide from the heat. The relief comes at a cost, however. Homeowners fork over $29 billion annually in energy consumption alone. Luckily, there are low-cost and no-cost tips you can try to keep your air cool and your wallet happy.

Draw the Drapes

During those daytime hours when the sun’s rays radiate your home, keep your curtains closed to cut back on unwanted warming and escalating electric bills. Darker drapes also help minimize solar heat gain.

Fan Friendly

Ceiling fans provide some relief from the heat, but when they run simultaneously across the house, you can experience a cooling effect of several degrees. This can help limit your reliance on air conditioning and save wear and tear on your unit. Oscillating table-top and tower fans provide additional comfort, concentrating the coolness directly …