Save energy, use exterior shading.

Keeping cool isn’t just about comfort; in the worst of recent heat waves, whether Chicago's in 1995 or New York's in 2006, hundreds have died. And climate change will only make this worse. But every time you crank up the AC, power plants pump out more heat-trapping gases, making the problem worse. Is there a way out of this lose-lose cycle? Actually, yes. Recall the wise ways of your parents, or grandparents, and try out some passive cooling techniques that should definitely cut your AC use and your energy bills and your carbon footprint along with it.

For starters, try some inventive gardening and decoration. Use plants to filter the light that reaches your home and paint the exterior in lighter, more reflective colors to reduce solar gain. The full summer canopies of deciduous trees and shrubs will cool your home when you need it but let in warm light when the leaves have fallen. You can also reduce light entering west- and east-facing windows with vertical shading from screens or trellises.