As the weather starts to warm up, it’s only a matter of time before summer arrives. If you’re trying to cut down on your AC use this coming year, there are a few alternatives you can try for cooling your home. Read on for four ways to cool your home this summer.

Install Heat-Reflective Window Film

Heat-reflective window film is an easy way to update your home to keep you cooler. Installing this almost invisible film helps to cool your home by rejecting 57% of all solar energy. Instead of allowing the summer sun to steadily stream in through the windows and heat up your home, installing this film is a quick DIY project that you’ll really feel pay off.

Use a Ceiling Fan

While ceiling fans aren’t an innovative way to keep cool, they are quite effective. If you don’t have any ceiling fans in your home, consider installing them before summer arrives. Ceiling fans help to save money as they use 60 watts of energy while AC’s use about 2000 watts.

Additionally, the ceiling fan helps to provide a consistent and constant breeze. While your air conditioner blows cold air (hopefully), your fan actually allows for the constant flow of air throughout your home. In the event that your AC isn’t working effectively, you’ll be able to turn your fan on and enjoy the cooler air.

Add Shutters to Your Windows

Aluminum shutters are another update to add to your home to keep you cooler in the summer months. While these shutters are on the exterior of your home, they are an effective way to add shade to your home. During the day when the sun is its hottest and brightest, close your shutters. This will significantly reduce the amount of sunlight coming into the windows, ultimately making your home feel cooler.

Seal Your Windows and Doors

To make sure your home is as cool as possible during the summer, you’ll want to make sure you aren’t letting cold air escape. While running your air conditioning is a quick way to cool down, if you have cracks around your windows or in the walls, you’re not efficiently cooling your home. Before summer hits, go around the home to make sure all of your windows, walls, and doors are properly sealed. This way, you’ll be able to make the most of running your air conditioner.

With these tips, you don’t have to blast the AC this summer to stay cool. Keep these four ideas in mind to make sure you keep the heat away, even on the hottest days of the year.