Keep your home cool this summer

Six strategies for keeping your home cool

Window air conditioners or central air aren't the only way to cool down a hot house. Check out these alternative solutions for making your house more comfortable.

Tip 1: Install a whole-house fan
A whole-house fan uses one-tenth as much power as AC. It draws cooler outside air in through open doors and windows to create a pleasant breeze that pushes hot air out through attic vents.

Find 5 more ideas to stay cool »

Keep more of your pay check

Learn how to save up to $1,210 a year

Electricity prices are rising and utility bills are getting ugly. Fight back with these 10 tips, and reduce your electrical bill by up to 40 percent.

Tip 1:Switch to CFL
CFL bulbs will provide 10,000 hours of light and use $10.40 of electricity (at 8¢ per kilowatt hour). To get the same output with incandescents, you would have to use seven bulbs, which would cost less up front, but the electricity would cost $48.

9 more tips to keep your wallet fatter »

Don't sacrifice comfort — stay cool

10 ways to save money and still keep cool

Tip 1: Change or clean filters monthly
Dirty air filters are the No. 1 cause of air conditioning breakdowns and they cost about 7 percent more in energy costs (or about $45 a year) in hot climates. Change central AC furnace filters monthly during the summer. Most window units have a removable filter behind the air inlet grille that you can take out and rinse monthly.

Plus 9 more money saving tips »

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We’re always looking for great tips and we’ll pay $100 for any we publish in The Family Handyman magazine. Submit your tip »