Homeowners are always looking for easy, economical ways to reduce their monthly heating and cooling costs. If your home heats up in the summertime the solution may be as simple as a little shade.

Rooms with windows that get direct sunlight will heat up quickly in warm weather putting a strain on your cooling system but there are some things you can do to help ease that load.

  • Tinted Window Film: Installing a tinted film on your windows can block a significant amount of the sun’s heat while also protecting your furnishings from fading. The biggest payback comes on windows that aren’t already covered with draperies or shades because those will block heat too.
  • Awnings: Installing awnings over windows is another way to block the sun’s rays and this can reduce a room’s temperature by up to 15 degrees, saving up to 25% on the air conditioning needs for a particular room.
  • Shade Tree: If you’re not crazy about the look of an awning you might consider a strategically planted shade tree to get similar benefits.
Editorial Contributors
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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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