It’s summertime, and it is hot outside! That means that you must stay cool at home. Here are 5 ways to do just that:

Close the Blinds

Use shades or blinds on windows facing south or west. Keeping these areas shaded will reduce solar heating.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Installing a programmable thermostat can be a great way to save money and conserve energy. You can program it to adjust the temperature up a few degrees when you are away from the home and have it set to return to a cooler, comfortable temperature before you come home.

Install Ceiling Fans

Air that circulates makes you feel cooler. Ceiling fans help to move air throughout the room and keep you feeling comfortable. In the summer months, run your fans counterclockwise to draw the cooler air upwards, and in the winter months, reversing the fans will push the warmer air down.

Grill More

When the thermometer soars outside, turn your oven off and take your meal cooking outside. There are plenty of fun ways to prepare a meal outside using your grill, and if you need inspiration, check out Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out on the Food Network.

Keep Interior Doors Open

This last tip usually sounds opposite to what most would think, but you allow air to circulate freely by keeping your interior doors open. This will keep your home cooler.