Green Tip of the Day

Keeping Cool

Houses lose up to 50% of their A/C and heating energy through windows, but tricks such as planting shade trees and window treatments help keep you cool.

Strategically placed shade trees help naturally cool your house, and treatments like window films cut your household energy use by up to 10%. Less A/C = less power = less pollution from power plants. Keeping out heat and UV rays from the sun means you don't have to worry about your furniture or artwork fading.

Try putting adhesive, tinted window films on your windows. Films keep out solar heat and UV radiation while still letting in light (prices vary).

Plant a shade tree. Check Lowe's for advice on the best types of trees to plant for shade (hazelnut trees are a sure bet); and where to plant them for max shade in summer and sun in winter. Bonus: Trees eat up CO2.

Install awnings. Again, check any home improvement store for tons of styles, including metal or fabric; manual or motorized retractable; and window, door, or patio awnings (prices vary).

Energy Star - find federal tax rebates for window treatments.