While owning an air conditioner might prove to a good solution to combating the heat effectively, the costs of electricity might be a disadvantage for those that try to do their best to stay on a strict budget. On the other hand, home cooling does not have to be a strain on your budget, especially since there are plenty of affordable and green methods that can be used to make the summer heat more bearable.   Many of these solutions are not only cost effective but also do not need lot of effort to put into practice. While some methods might seem simple and trivial their effects can quickly add up and can create an impressive final result. Here are a few methods that can be used to lower the temperature inside the house:   Purchasing fans is a more cost effective method to keep your home cool during the summer than by using an air conditioner. Fans can be moved from one room to another and consume a lot less electricity. A ceiling fan is just as good, by reducing the moisture in the air it gives the impression of colder    Open the windows when the temperature inside is higher than the temperature outside. Also, close the blinds and shades that during the times when the outside temperatures reach the peak point. It's preferable to choose white shades and blinds as these reflect light the best. This simple solution can reduce the solar heat by up to 50%.   It's a well known fact that moisture can make the air seem hotter than it really is. If you want to make your house cooler a wise idea would be to do everything you can to reduce moisture. This might mean installing a dehumidifier or making sure that you avoid activities that cause more moisture to be released in the air.   However, don't run the dehumidifier at the same time you run the AC unit. Also if you've has the same AC unit for more than 10 yeas consider switching to a more energy-efficient model that will help you lower your costs on the long term. Don't forget to clean the filters at least once a month for a greater air flow.   Try scheduling cooking sessions after the temperatures start to drop or avoiding taking showers when the temperatures in the house reach the peak point. Also running your dryer at night or early in the morning as well as line drying your laundry is a good choice to reduce the temperature even more.   The electrical appliances can raise the temperature as well to a certain extent. That's why it's best to green your home by making sure that you avoid unnecessary energy waste by eliminating vampire power. Also, avoid placing appliances or lighting sources near the A/C unit. Speaking of lighting sources, you should know that is has been proven that replacing incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving compact florescent ones can also help lower the temperature.   Also for extra energy savings you should try to install a programmable thermostat. Adjust its settings to raise the temperature by 5 degrees 30 minutes before you leave the house and adjust the temperature back 40 minutes before you return home.