There is no doubt that it costs a lot of money to cool your home during the hottest days of the year. Even when the cost of energy starts to go down, if you have an unusually hot summer, you're using that much more energy to help keep your home a comfortable temperature. By installing energy efficient window treatments, you can keep your home cooler naturally, without having to add to the cost of your energy bill. Here are some ideas to get you started. 

Window Blinds

Window blinds are great at reducing summer heat gain. Both horizontal and vertical slat-type blinds are very energy efficient. For interior blinds, it's hard to control the heat loss, but the slats do offer a bit of flexibility in the summer. You can adjust the slats that allow you to control the ventilation and the light. During summer days, the blinds should be closed on windows that receive direct sunlight. This helps to prevent heat gain. 

Exterior blinds are made of vinyl, steel, wood or aluminum. They are mounted above your window, and they can be raised and lowered. When you lower the blinds, the slats meet and create shade for your home. If they are slightly raised, the blinds can allow daylight and air to enter into the home;

Drapes

You have the ability to decorate in style and save money on your energy bill. Choose an energy-efficient drape that comes with a lining attached to the back. This lining blocks the sun's heat from entering the home. For maximum efficiency, choose a drapery that has a light-colored backing to reflect the sun. During the hottest point of the day, you should keep your curtains closed. The backing on the curtain will help block the heat before it has a chance to enter the home, allowing the house to stay cooler and reduce the need to run the air conditioner. 

Awnings

Window awnings are great at reducing heat gain in the summer. You can have awnings shade one window or shade the entire side of your home by having them custom made. Most older awnings were made from canvas or metal, but many of today's awnings are made from synthetic fabric and are more water-repellent and treated to reduce fading and mildew growth. 

Awnings need ventilation to keep the warm air from becoming trapped around the window area, so they are made with openings along the side and top of the awning to provide that ventilation.