When the summer heat hits, it’s tempting to crank up the air conditioner. Before you crank the A/C so hard your electric bill faints, consider some energy-efficient ways to cool off without melting your wallet. 

• Let your thermostat work smarter, not harder. Set your thermostat a few degrees higher while away, and program it to cool down before you return.  
• Close curtains and blinds. Keeping sunlight out during the hottest part of the day by closing blinds and curtains can dramatically reduce indoor temperatures. 
• Avoid heat-producing appliances like they’re Uncle Eddie at Christmas. Your dryer, dishwasher and oven can turn your kitchen into a sauna. Run them in the early morning, late evening or at night. 
• Seal the sneaky drafts. Your home might be leaking cool air faster than your phone battery drains on 1%. Update any worn-out weather stripping or caulking to keep the cool in and the heat out.