#1 Install a programmable thermostat so you can vary the temperature according to when you’re home. There’s no need to keep your house as cool when you aren’t in it, and by raising the thermostat in the summer months when you leave home, you’ll use less energy (and save money!).

#2 Make sure your air conditioning condenser unit is not crowded by shrubs or anything else. It’s important that air can circulate around and above the unit. This helps the condenser unit run more efficiently and effectively.

#3 Plant shade trees and shrubs around your house to help reduce the heat of the sun, especially on the west and south sides. This can reduce your cooling costs by up to 30%.

#4 Consider cross breezes. On days with some wind, turn off your air conditioning and open windows when you’re at home and allow the air to circulate through your home. You’ll be surprised at the benefit of some healthy wind!

#5 Install shutters on the windows of your house. This also helps control the temperature inside your home, lessening your reliance on air conditioning.

#6 Seal up air leaks in your house. This will reduce your air conditioning costs in the summer, and heating costs in the winter. Caulk or seal places where utilities come into your home (plumbing, electricity, dryer vents, etc.). Fill gaps around chimneys. Weatherstrip around drafty windows and doors.

#7 Install energy efficient ceiling fans. They help reduce the amount of air conditioning you’ll need to use in the home. Further, the moving air increases the amount of evaporation from your skin and helps cool you off.

#8 Consider your home’s exterior paint colour. The darker the colour of your house, the more heat it will absorb, so if you’re building, buying, or considering repainting, choose lighter colours for the exterior.

#9 Any heat that’s generated inside your home has to be removed by your cooling system, so avoid generating heat inside your home in the summer months whenever possible. Cook on your outdoor grill as often as possible, or hang clothes outside to dry rather than running your dryer.

#10 Close off rooms that you aren’t using to prevent cool air escaping to those unused areas.