We all know how expensive air conditioning can get in the summer, especially if you live in anywhere near the equator. But whether you’re south of the border or mid-west U.S, believe it or not, there are ways to cut down on expensive air conditioning and still keep your house cool all year round. And depending on where you are, if you follow these tips, you may not even need to consider buying a home air conditioner.

First of all, it’s important to weatherize your home as much as possible. For example, if your home has an attic, that is a great place to begin cooling things down. Make sure your attic is insulated as much as possible and if it’s not already there, install a foil radiant barrier to the underside of the roof rafters. As you do this, allow air space between the roof sheathing and the foil as this will help keep the cool air in and the heat out.

Another way to cool down your house without buying a home air conditioner or spending a lot on electric bills is to install heat-reflecting film on any windows in your home that face the sun. Not only will this keep your home cooler, but it will also reduce overall glare and keep ultraviolet rays from damaging the floors or furniture. There are a variety of reflective films you can use depending on the climate you live in. For instance, those who live in hot climates should use sun-controlling film to decrease the amount of light that comes in through the windows, while combination films are available for people who live in colder areas of the country. You can also reduce heat by keeping drapes or shades closed as much as possible on the south and west-facing sides of your home as well as utilizing patio overheads, awnings or overhangs.

Though it would not give you immediate protection from the sun, planting trees, large bushes or vines can create wonderful shade in the future. So, if you plan to stay in your house for a few years or more, consider planting a variety of plants that will thrive in your area.

Remember to keep portable fans or ceiling fans on to keep the cool air moving throughout your home and turn off incandescent lights and heat-generating appliances whenever possible. Keep an eye on the indoor and outdoor temperature so you can open up windows or doors to ventilate if it’s cooler outside. This will also increase the air flow and could decrease your need for buying a home air conditioner.