There are several ways to cool your home without relying on air conditioning, which can be energy-intensive. Proper insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors, and shading can help keep your home cool, especially when combined with natural ventilation. In addition, you can set your programmable thermostat to a higher temperature during the summer and raise the setpoint when you’re not home or asleep. To ensure your cooling equipment is operating efficiently, be sure to clean or replace filters regularly and consider upgrading to high-efficiency models when replacing old exhaust fans. During the day, keep window coverings closed to block out the sun’s heat. When shopping for new cooling equipment, look for products that meet energy efficiency standards and carry the ENERGY STAR label.