Trying to keep your home cool during the summer can be expensive. That's why it's important to do all you can to conserve energy and save money on your summer cooling costs. Here are some great tips to save money on your cooling costs.

Keep curtains and blinds closed

It may seem like a no-brainer, but many people don't even think about closing their curtains, shades and blinds during the day. However, this simple act that takes only a minute or two could reduce the heat gain in your home during the heat of the day by as much as 45 percent. Using heavier blinds or insulated curtains or shades can help you reduce your home's heat gain even more.

Control your thermostat

It can be tempting to turn your air conditioner down quite low during the summer, but doing so will jack up your energy bill. It's best to set your air conditioner at the highest temperature that is comfortable. It's also a good idea to install a smart thermostat so that you can program your thermostat to raise the temperature when you aren't there and then lower it when you get home.

Use fans

Fans help to circulate the air in your home, which can help to keep it cool. Ceiling fans work best because warm air rises. They will help to circulate air throughout the house and keep one room from getting too warm. If you don't have ceiling fans, you can use regular box or oscillating fans to help circulate air throughout your home.

Don't use heat-generating appliances

To keep your home cool during the summer, you should avoid using heat-generating appliances as much as possible. This includes your dryer and oven. If you must use these, try to use them early in the morning or late at night.