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Here are some more ways to keep things cool this summer.

1 Hang bamboo shades outside your windows. This can stop 60 to 80% of the sun’s heat from getting in through the windows.

2 Do not use a dehumidifer at the same time you are using your AC unit. The dehumidifier will increase the cooling load and force the air conditioner to work harder.

3 Add two degrees and add a fan. The EPA says if you raise your thermostat by just two degrees and turn on a ceiling fan you can trim cooling costs by up to 14%.

4 Clean your AC filter once a month. Whether you’ve got an central air or a window unit, cleaning the filter keeps the air conditioning working the best it can.

5 Go down. Stay as low as you can to the ground. Heat rises, so cooler air can naturally be found the farther down you go. The basement’s not looking so bad is it?

6 Embrace mint. Mint doesn’t just cool down your mouth. Use pepper mint body wash, soap, lotions and powders. Mint refreshes your skin and cools you down.