For most of us, the summer months provide a welcome respite from the short, frigid days of winter. However, as the summer wears on into its dog days, homeowners are often faced with the challenge of staying comfortable as the heat and humidity indices climb. Here are some tips for keeping your home cool and minimizing energy bills in the summer:
Draw blinds and shades
Heat from direct sunlight can turn your windows into lenses. Drawing blinds and shades will keep rooms cooler during the day. Consider investing in light-blocking shades or high-quality pleated shades to minimize the effect of sunlight, and prioritize east and west-facing windows, which see the sun's most intense rays in the morning and late afternoon. In addition to the cooling factor, quality
