July and August are typically the hottest months of the summer, and keeping your home cool during these months without spending a fortune can be difficult. A few tips that may help you stay cool in your home during hot summer months are: Keep blinds and curtains closed, this will block out hot sun rays and aid in keeping your house more comfortable without touching the thermostat. Close off rooms that are not being used. Use light-weight cotton bedding to keep cool during sleep. Adjust the settings on your ceiling fans to counter-clockwise, this adjustment will keep room temperatures lower. Also, Try to avoid cooking inside as much as possible, and plant trees and tall shrubs around your house to shade it from the sun. More here