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Summer is a fantastic time of the year: beaches, suntans, watermelon coolers, and pool dips. But there are days when that harsh summer sun isn't quite so fun, and turning up the air conditioning at home is your only choice. All you would want to do then is turn your house into a freezer and forget the electricity bills that drain your pockets. However, it is also essential to understand that this is not just impacting your budget but also the environment.

Fortunately, there are smarter hacks to keep your house cool without burning a hole in the pocket or racking up massive carbon footprints.

You can read about them below.

1. Block the heat - Spending less on cooling is possible if you can prevent heat from entering your home in the first place. Use external coverings, such as shades, or sizable potted plants, to provide shade for windows and walls. Plant deciduous trees that provide summer shade for your home yet allow winter sun to stream. Invest in window tinting to help you retain heat in the winter.

2. Install an awning - Awnings are an excellent replacement for trees. They come in handy if you don't have enough space for trees or don't want to wait for them to grow. Awnings are generally installed over windows to shade your house from the sun. As a result, your home will absorb less light, keeping it cooler throughout the summer.

3. Close doors and seal gaps – Close the doors of the rooms you are not using to keep cool air where you need it the most. Use draught excluders and seal holes around doors and wind to ensure the cool air doesn't escape. Opening windows and doors will improve airflow around the house and make evaporative air conditioners more effective.

4. Better Insulation – Insulation is often associated with retaining heat inside homes. Similarly, it also works to keep the heat out and cool air in. So, adding insulation to your attic and walls will significantly improve your home's climate, even in the warmer months. It also cuts back on cooling and heating costs. Insulation is also a pretty inexpensive and simple solution, and you can also try DIY insulation for further savings.

5. Cross-ventilate - Open your windows strategically towards the ends of your house to allow cross circulation to create a breeze within. Although cross-ventilation is a well-known phenomenon, few people know that time is also a significant factor. The best time to open the windows during the summer is from 5:00 am to 8:00 am and from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm when the air is still pleasantly cool.

6. Hack your windows - Approximately 76% of the light that reaches windows enters the house and turns into heat. Reflective window films may filter up to 99% of UV rays and up to 78% of solar heat. While too much sunlight merely serves to warm your home, UV rays harm your health and furniture. These window films are therefore necessary for keeping your skin and furnishings safe in addition to being a summer need. Window films are a simple DIY job, and there are umpteen options available to choose from.

7. Invest in a dehumidifier – Dry heat is a nightmare, and moist heat is even worse. Summer's recommended indoor humidity range is between 40% and 50%. Even in hot weather, dehumidifiers improve indoor comfort by removing extra moisture from the air. Most dehumidifiers are equipped with sensors that turn them off when the desired humidity level is reached.

Keeping your home cool in summer is crucial for your well-being and comfort. While air conditioners are the go-to solution for scorching summer days, simple home upgrades, like adding insulation or changing your lightbulbs, can significantly affect your home temperature. There are several ways to keep your house cool in the summer without using an air conditioner. Follow these tips and thank us later!