If you’re interested, buy some quality heat-blocking shades for the windows. Wood shades or thicker, light-colored drapes will do the trick. They may not look very good, so add a curtain on top of the shades to cover them up if desired.

Desperately need lights? Look into energy-saving, dimmer bulbs that don’t give off as much heat (and are better for the environment). LED lights are getting cheaper and cheaper, too. [4] X Research source

Be careful not to fully close all downstairs air supply registers. Enough air must go through the air conditioner in order to work efficiently.

Take these items and move them to open walls. By placing things like bookshelves or tapestries against the walls, you can help keep cool from escaping.

If you’re in a spot, put a bowl of ice cubes in front of the fan and then let it blow. [7] X Research source Immediate arctic wind, ready for deliver. Tilt the fan up to help direct the cool air higher. [8] X Research source Walter Brant. Handyman.

If you have an attic, buy half inch plywood and lay it in between the trusses over the insulation. It will give you a walking/storage surface as well as enhancing your ability to block heat transfer. Insulation alone doesn’t stop the heat from going into your house; it only delays the transfer until the attic cools at night when the heat flow slows down.

If there are any cracks or space between the windows and the walls, that’s hot and cool air escaping like sands through an hourglass. Even if you don’t upgrade your glass, make sure to cover any structural spots that need taken care of.

You could also consider adding awnings or even extending the roof line so that the sun, in the summer, is blocked by the roof and is prevented from entering the windows.

Try adding a couple of ceiling fans in the upstairs rooms or over a large open 2 story room such as a loft. Many fans have a switch that controls how it works – one blows air down and the other sucks air up. You want the fan to suck the cold air up and spread it over the house again.

You can do this yourself. All you need to do is take out the old filter and place in the new one, making sure the arrows on the sides are pointing in the right direction (they’re to indicate airflow. It’s a job that takes a whole 30 seconds. [15] X Research source

Soffit vents aren’t only for your comfort; they’re to lengthen the lifespan of your roof. So will it could be an expense now, it could save you thousands in the long run (a roof that constantly overheats is not a long-lasting roof). [17] X Research source

If you’re quite handy, you can do this yourself. Take a look at wikiHow’s Charge a Home Air Conditioner for more information.

Air conditioners should be placed close to the ceiling as cold air sinks and hot air rises. It needs to be placed in a well ventilated place to ensure maximum results – if this does not describe your air conditioner, consider getting it moved for more efficient results.